Kohli happy with structure, balance of RCB post IPL auction

Royal Challengers Bangalore skipper Virat Kohli is excited with the new players that the team have roped in at the auction on Thursday and believes that the outfit can finally turn the table in the 2020 season and go the distance.

Speaking on the new recruits, Kohli said: “I am very happy with the players that we have selected and really looking forward to the new season. We’ve had a lot of discussions on the structure and balance of the team and this looks like a good start for us. I believe it all comes down to every individual to give out their best performance during the league and to enjoy the best form of cricket by playing bold.”

Chairman Sanjeev Churiwala echoed the sentiments and said: “In preparation to the upcoming season we wanted a balanced squad that embodies the philosophy of RCB, a bold and fearless attitude to project the best cricket in the tournament. I am glad that we have managed to assemble a team of some of the strongest T20 players and with the guidance of Mike (Hesson), Simon (Katich) and other coaching staffs, today we have a very good set of combinations that drives the RCB proposition for a great season.”

Mike Hesson, Director of Cricket Operations, said that the idea was to pick players who would fit the bill with an eye on the retained players. “Our plan going into the auction was to look at players that will combine and well with the retained squad. We want a squad that can has balance and can adapt to any conditions both at home and away. To pick players who help us maximise our budget judiciously took a thoughtful approach. I am very pleased with the way auction went.

“Majority of work goes on prior to auction around strategy, this includes number of mock auctions and gives us a much better chance to maximise the budget we have at our disposal. We wanted the majority of our overseas players to bring plenty of International experience in order to add and share knowledge with the exciting developing talents we already have at RCB. As far as when we look at any overseas players to bring to RCB it’s not only about talent, but where else can they contribute.

“Aaron Finch is a hugely experienced player who adds plenty of skill but also a calm head to the environment. Chris Morris and Isuru Udana both provide all round packages being able to bowl at any time in the innings, especially death overs which we know needed addressing, in addition they provide balance with power late order hitting. Kane Richardson and Dayle Steyn have the ability to take wickets in the Power Play and bring some hostility and experience to our attack.

Both bowlers have also been exceptional at the death and added a few new tricks which we have been impressed with. We have picked a local talent in Pavan Deshpande who provides us batting cover, his power and flexibility where he bats is a very useful addition to the squad,” he explained.

Meanwhile, BCCI President Sourav Ganguly has justified the whopping price for which Pat Cummins was bought by the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), saying it was because of the “high demand” for the leading Australian pacer that saw him bag a jackpot at the 2020 Indian Premier League (IPL) auction.

At the IPL auction which take place on Thursday evening, Cummins was bought by KKR for Rs.15.5 crore (Dhs 8 million approx), which made him the most expensive foreign bid ever in IPL history.

“No, I don’t think (Cummins’ price being too high). It has a lot to do with the demand. Especially these small auctions bringing players in go after go. Ben Stokes became a part of this small auction and that’s why his value went off the roof of 14crore,” Ganguly said while speaking at the event My 11 Cricle, Play with Champions, on Friday.

Indo-Asian News Service