On April 2, the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) will welcome the five-time champion Mumbai Indians in their opening game of the IPL 2023. Prior to being defeated by the Rajasthan Royals in Qualifier 2 last year, RCB had advanced to the semifinals in the IPL 2022.
Among the many bowlers in their roster, RCB has access to players like Josh Hazlewood, David Willey, Shahbaz Ahmed, Michael Bracewell, Wanindu Hasaranga, Akash Deep, Mohammed Siraj, Reece Topley, Karn Sharma, and former Purple Cap winner Harshal Patel.
“Their pace bowling has depth. Even if Hazlewood is not fit, then they have Topley. In spin, they have Wanindu Hasaranga. They have Mohammed Siraj and Harshal Patel. Their bowling is perfect and even Maxwell can bowl,” said Manjrekar.
Wanindu Hasaranga, a leg-spinner for Sri Lanka and franchises, has been one of the greatest spinners in T20 cricket over the past three years and has excelled in a variety of environments worldwide.
Despite the Chinnaswamy’s reputation as a stadium that favours batting, Hasaranga, who finished IPL 2022 as the second-highest wicket-taker, will be eager to take the field there in front of a fervent RCB-supporting crowd. Hasaranga’s threat will increase with strong results here.