'We're clear on our patterns of play' - Mo Bobat not fussed about left-right combinations

One of the RCB net bowlers had to duck and dive for cover as Rajat Patidar sent a booming drive flying back to him. He swayed out just in time as the ball knocked over the tripod behind him that held one of the recording cameras. Over the course of 30-odd minutes on Friday afternoon, the RCB captain showed how well he'd recovered from his hand injury as the ball repeatedly flew off his bat. The eight-day break plunged the league and the teams into chaotic uncertainty, but proved to be a good break for players like Patidar, as RCB's director of cricket Mo Bobat revealed.

Patidar's injured hand healed well during the down time, setting him up for an immediate return as RCB resume their chase for playoffs qualification and potentially an advantageous top-two finish. This break in play also let Phil Salt recover from his illness, who joined his captain in sending throw downs deep into the leg side stands on Friday. They even faced a net bowler simulating Varun CV's action and mystery spin. The practice nets were also graced by Tim David and Romario Shepherd, taking turns in 10-ball bursts to access different corners of the ground.

With all that transpired over the last week, RCB have emerged with the rub of the green on their side on most counts as every overseas player - barring Josh Hazlewood - has rejoined the group. But with all this availability and a recent