Eyeing for their maiden Indian Premier League (IPL) title, under the captaincy of the Virat Kohli, Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) have started off their IPL 2020 campaign with two wins in the first three games including a dramatic victory in Super Over against Mumbai Indians. RCB is currently standing at the fourth position in the points table with four points under their belt.

Aiming to reach the playoffs in the ongoing season, the RCB management has introduced a unique ‘mentorship program’ to groom the new talent in their squad. As a part of the program, youngsters have been paired with senior cricketers so that the latter can become a mentor to the youngsters. 

While young opener Devdutt Padikkal has joined forces with skipper Kohli, speedster Navdeep Saini will be mentored by the South African veteran Dale Steyn. RCB’s Director of Cricket, Mike Hesson went on to explain the mentorship program came about and what’s the real purpose behind starting this initiative.

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In a video uploaded by RCB on their Twitter handle, Hesson said, “The mentorship program is something Simon Katich (head coach) was very keen to introduce, it’s something that happens in many sports, and its something that can take place when players are keen to share their experiences.”

Bold Diaries: RCB Mentorship Programme

Every RCB cricketer is paired with a buddy from the team, giving each other an opportunity to learn, mentor and share. Mike Hesson explains this unique team bonding initiative. #PlayBold #IPL2020 #WeAreChallengers #Dream11IPL pic.twitter.com/AwseoA94il

— Royal Challengers Bengaluru (@RCBTweets) October 1, 2020

He further added, “The players can exchange ideas with each other, we spent a lot of time to pick who will spend with whom, generally we have done it around the skill group. Players will be able to spend time with each other and be away from the practice. They can talk about the game, for example, Navdeep Saini is paired with Dale Steyn.”

Hesson also went on to point out that Saini, known for his fierce pace, won’t get a better mentor than experienced Steyn. Similarly, Padikkal will also be receiving some beneficial tips under Kohli’s influence.

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RCB’s Director of Cricket elaborated, “Steyn has done the job all around the world, he knows the game inside out, Saini is hugely talented, he wants to bowl fast and there was none better than Steyn to pair him with. Devdutt Padikkal is paired with Virat Kohli, there is none better mentor for a young kid, they both have a real passion to succeed. We have asked the peers (experienced cricketers) to introduce their buddy (youngsters) to the rest of the group.”