As ICC has postponed the T20 world cup, the 13th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) is all set to be played in UAE later this year. All the franchises are now trying to make important changes and prepare the strategies to make them ready to get acclimatize with the conditions. The last time IPL was played anywhere outside India was in UAE 2014 due to the general elections in the country.
Each team played the first five of their 14 matches in UAE and Mumbai Indians lost all 5 of their matches and Chennai dominated all the games. Former Indian opener, Akash Chopra reckons that Virat Kohli-led Royal Challengers Bangalore will face trouble due to their weak bowling attack. However, it can lead to a blessing in disguise as their spinners can be lethal in friendly conditions. He mentioned the two bowlers who might come handy for the team who is yet to win their first-ever IPL title.
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Talking about the same, Chopra said, “If you play matches at neutral venues, then there is no home support and no familiarity with the pitches. Every team will be starting at par with each other. Mumbai and Chennai are top-class teams, they will eventually catch up even if they get off to a slow start.”
He further added, “RCB does not have a strong bowling attack, in the last season they just won three matches at their home ground, they have a limited bowling attack but it can come good in the UAE as there are big grounds. So I really think RCB can be one of the big beneficiaries with the IPL taking place abroad. Yuzvendra Chahal and Pawan Negi will have a big role to play in the UAE,” he added.
Former Delhi skipper also showered praises KXIP who has announced a new captain and a coach this year, KL Rahul– the new sensation of Indian cricket– and former Indian captain Anil Kumble will make the management for the team who is yet to win an IPL trophy.
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Chopra said, “Kings XI Punjab would also benefit, Glenn Maxwell has a good record in the UAE, their spin department is quite good, they are very nicely placed, I think you need to be worried about Kings XI Punjab this season. Delhi Capitals would also benefit as they have good spin attack comprising of Ravichandran Ashwin, Amit Mishra, Sandeep Lamichhane, and Axar Patel. They tick all the boxes and they would not be complaining.”
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