Royals Challengers Bangalore and India Captain Virat Kohli said on Friday that he was pleased with the Kind of players he had selected during the IPL auction “the best form of cricket by playing bold”.
RCB bought eight players, including the likes of Chris Morris, Aaron Finch, Kane Richardson, and Dale Steyn, during the IPL auction held in Kolkata on Thursday.
“I am very happy with the players that we have selected and looked 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,” Kohli said.
“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,” he added.
RCB’s Cricket Operations Director Mike Hesson said the franchise strategy in the auction, was to look at players that would fit well with the squad that was retained.
Mike Hessan On Buys Of IPL Auction
“We want a squad that can have balance and adapts to any conditions both at home and away. To pick players who help us maximize our budget judiciously took a thoughtful approach. I am very pleased with the way auction went,” Hessan said.
“We wanted the majority of our overseas players to bring plenty of international experience to add and share knowledge with the exciting developing talents we already have at RCB. When we look at any overseas player to bring to RCB, it’s not only about talent, but where else can they contribute,” he added.
Hesson called Finch a very experienced player who not only adds a deal of talent to the squad but also a calm head.
“Chris Morris and Isuru Udana both provide all-round packages being able to bowl at any time in the innings, especially death overs. Kane Richardson and Dayle Steyn can take wickets in the Power Play and bring some hostility and experience to our attack.”
“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.”
RCB Chairman Sanjeev Churiwala said his franchise was looking for a balanced squad that represents RCB’s ideology, a brave and courageous mentality to project the tournament’s best cricket.
“I am glad that we have managed to assemble a team of some of the strongest T20 players and with the guidance of Mike, Simon and other coaching staff, we have a very good set of combinations that drives the RCB proposition for a great season.”
So far, RCB has not won the title of the IPL in the 12 editions. In 2009 and 2011, they were runners-up to then respectively Deccan Chargers and Chennai Super Kings.
