This time Virat Kohli’s RCB seems to be very balanced. While there are good batsmen in the team, on the bowling front, the spin department strengthens the arsenal. Owing to some Covid positive cases in the staff, the challenges of the team have augmented, but I think the team will get through this tough phase glibly.
Yazuvendra Chahal and Washington Sundar are the bowlers that consolidate the bowling attack of the team. There is no doubt about their talent. These bowlers are capable of bowling well in the power-play and the death overs. Sundar has been able to manage to bowl efficiently during the power-play overs when the batsmen have myriad chances to rain the stadium with boundaries. Nevertheless, there are a lot of challenges for the spinners in T20 cricket.
However, on the fast bowling front, I agree that this department is quite capable. I have high expectations from Navdeep Saini and Mohammed Siraj. Daniel Sams is the lone left-arm bowler in the RCB’s arsenal. I expect him to be fit early, and especially, in the later matches, he shall be available for the team and bowl brilliantly.
Moreover, Kyle Jamieson recently proved to be quite expensive against Australia. He conceded more than 150 runs in four T20 matches. Bowling in the Indian conditions will be quite challenging for him. At the same time, I have high expectations from Ken Richardson, who has good speed and movement. He can prove useful when given the chance.
If Devadutt Padikkal recovers quickly, he can carry forward his domestic cricket form in the IPL. I have been convinced by the explosive manner in which Phil Allen batted in the last T20 match against Bangladesh recently. I wish to see him batting in the same manner on Indian soil. On the batting front, a lot can be expected from the trio of Virat, AB de Villiers, and Glenn Maxwell. If any one of the three lasts till the 20th over, then it will not take long for the team’s score to cross 200.
In the end, I would say that if the fast bowlers have done well, then this team can clinch their maiden title.
Writer is a Dronacharya Awardee and coach of Virat Kohli. Views expressed are writer’s personal.
