'We need to improve our bowling'

An explosive opening batsman, a wicket-keeper, a handy bowler and an excellent fielder – Tillakaratne Dilshan will walk into any T20 team. But owing to combination issues, the Sri Lankan has been in and out of the Royal Challengers Bangalore’s playing 11 this edition.

“It’s not easy in T20 cricket when you are in and out,” admitted Dilshan here on Tuesday. “But that’s the bench strength we have. We have to adjust according to the wicket and we have to strike the right balance depending on the conditions. The thing is when you get your chances you have to perform. That’s the important thing if you can adjust quickly to the conditions, especially in T20 cricket and IPL. I am happy that I performed well, whenever I got the opportunity,” explained Dilshan.

Dilshan agreed bowling has been their biggest worry so far in the tournament. “There are two areas we have to improve upon -- bowling and fielding,” he pointed out. “In this kind of a tournament all three departments have to be on the right track. Our bowling isn’t that great, but Zaheer (Khan) is one of the best bowlers in the world and I am sure he will come back strong. This is a very important time in the tournament and if the bowlers can peak now, RCB has a great chance of doing well,” he observed.

He also hoped the struggling Virat Kohli will come into his own while indicating that the Delhiite, in all likelihood, will lead the side on Wednesday. “He is one of the great batsmen at the moment. Now, he has another job to shoulder but he can win matches for us. I am sure that he will peak at the right time and this is the right time for the batting unit to click,” he remarked.

Dilshan was effusive in his praise of AB de Villiers. “He is a fantastic player and there’s no doubt about that. He has been in good form and he is a match-winning player not just in IPL but anywhere.”