Here's why Bangalore players are wearing black armbands today?

Bangalore and Chennai are playing in the 22nd game of the Indian T20 League 2022. Bangalore is coming off from three back-to-back wins after losing their first game against Punjab. On the other hand, Chennai has lost four games out of as many played so far, which has happened to them for the first time in the history of the cash-rich league.

Advertisment

Bangalore are missing the services of their death overs specialist, Harshal Patel, who left the bio-bubble due to the death of his sister last week. Patel was expected to return to the team before the ongoing game. However, was not available for selection due to the quarantine rules. The team has included Suyash Prabhudesai in the playing XI in place of Hatshal.

Meanwhile, the Bangalore team stepped onto the park wearing black armbands. The reason for the same has now been revealed. The players are wearing black armbands to pay their respect to Harshal Patel's sister.

Talking about the game, the defending champions are marching towards their first win. Batting first, the team had a good start with the ball as Josh Hazlewood trapped out of form, Ruturaj Gaikwad (17) in the fourth over of the game. In the seventh over, Moeen Ali (3) was run out due to a brilliant piece of fielding from Prabhudesai.

Advertisment

At 36/2, the likes of Robin Uthappa (89) and Shivam Dube stitched a partnership of 165 runs of just 74 balls for the third wicket. Uthappa's innings included nine sixes and four fours before he was caught by Virat Kohli off Wanindu Hasaranga. On the other hand, Dube hit 95 not out off 46 balls including eight sixes and five fours, taking the team to a competitive total of 216/4. Bangalore are tottering at 73/4 in the 10th over at the time of writing.