The 13the edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) is scheduled to be hosted in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and it can be a blessing in disguise for at least 50 aspiring cricketers, who will be traveling with the eight franchises as “exclusive” net bowlers. At least three franchises, Chennai Super Kings (CSK), Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), and Delhi Capitals (DC) confirmed that they are preparing a roster of net bowlers.

The list comprises mostly first-class, U-19 and U-23 state level bowlers who will be getting a chance to bowl to the likes of MS Dhoni, Suresh Raina, Rishabh Pant for close to a month. Conventionally, in the nets, local bowlers were used but the strict bio-security measures for the tournament means that all franchise will have to arrange for quality bowlers during practice sessions.

While BCCI has capped the squad strength (players) to 24, the franchises don’t have any limitation for contingent volume which will vary from team to team but it could be safely assumed that most of the eight franchises will not avail any local net bowlers.

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Informing the same, as per the quotes in PTI, CSK CEO Kashi Vishwanathan said, “If all goes well, we are planning to take around 10 bowlers exclusively to UAE for the practice sessions. They will be accompanying the team and will remain until the tournament starts.”

The Delhi Capitals are also expected to take around six net bowlers who will be a part of the team’s “bio bubble”. On the other hand, the Rajasthan Royals will also be finalizing the number of net bowlers they will carry. Royals as well as Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) can fly out bowlers from their own respective academies.

It is expected that there will be a healthy number of spinners in the overall net bowlers’ list.

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Informing the same the talent scout of the RCB said, “On slow Dubai tracks, it will be important that teams stack up their line-up with more spinners, especially for humid conditions. You will see a lot of left-arm spinners and wrist spinners who have played a decent level cricket being included apart from the pacers.”