‘They might not come in the top three' - Aakash Chopra predicts RCB's fortunes ahead of IPL 2023

Former India opener Aakash Chopra feels that the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) will not finish in the top-three on the IPL points table 2023 after the end of the league stage in the upcoming edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL).

The three-time finalists will be looking for their maiden IPL title this year. They will kickstart their IPL season against five-time champions Mumbai Indians (MI) on April 2 at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bangalore. 

While speaking on the 'AakashVani' show on JioCinema, Chopra said that RCB might end up fighting for the final playoff berth in the upcoming season. The 45-year-old pointed out that playing home matches will trouble them more. He also reckoned that the RCB bowlers will hold the key to their fortunes in the tournament. 

"This team should qualify but Bangalore's problems are when they start playing at home. They are a gun side when they play in neutral venues. It is going to be a different challenge. They can be on the cusp. They can finish anywhere between four and six. They might not come in the top three,” said Chopra.

"The bowlers' column decides where you go because batting almost cancels each other out, especially when you play at home. The first name is Wanindu Hasaranga. After that, there is a big question mark over Josh Hazlewood's availability."

Josh Hazlewood likely to miss few matches of IPL 2023

The cricketer-turned-commentator then talked about the injured Australian bowler Josh Hazlewood, stating that RCB's overseas fast bowling contingent looks slightly weak in his absence. Chopra also pointed out that David Willey is not an ideal replacement for the Aussie seamer.

Hazlewood suffered an Achilles injury during Australia's home Test series against South Africa and was subsequently ruled out of the recently concluded Test and ODI series against India. The Aussie is suspected to miss a few matches this season.

"You will see Reece Topley, David Willey, Mohammed Siraj, Siddarth Kaul and Harshal Patel. They have Karn Sharma and Akash Deep as well. There are a lot of names, quite a few are good as well. The bowling had looked good but if Josh Hazlewood is not there, that makes the side significantly weaker, because David Willey cannot do that job."

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