Former Team India batting coach Sanjay Bangar has expressed concerns over the changing nature of pitches at M Chinnaswamy Stadium, blaming the surface for Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s (RCB) poor home record in IPL 2025.

Bangar’s remarks came after RCB suffered a five-wicket defeat to Punjab Kings in a rain-hit game on April 18. Despite Josh Hazlewood’s tidy spell, Punjab chased down the modest target comfortably, thanks to Nehal Wadhera’s fiery 33 off 19 balls.

RCB, who were reeling at 42 for 7 in the ninth over, narrowly avoided the lowest total in IPL history. A counter-attacking 50 off 26 balls from Tim David rescued them to a still below-par 95.

Bangar pointed out that RCB have lost all three home games this season but remain unbeaten in four away matches, an unusual pattern for the side.

“RCB are clearly troubled by the unexpected bounce and assistance to bowlers at home. The pitch has shifted from being batting-friendly to one favouring seam and swing. Their batters haven’t adapted yet,” Bangar noted. He warned that the team must rethink their home batting strategy if they are to regain momentum.

RCB will aim for redemption in the reverse fixture on Sunday, April 20, against Punjab Kings at Mullanpur, where Rajat Patidar and Shreyas Iyer will square off once again.