'How could I get in the side?' - Muttiah Muralitharan on playing for power-packed RCB in IPL 2012

Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) are one of the teams in the Indian Premier League (IPL), which always boasts of a power-packed foreign lineup. Over the past 14 years of the IPL, the likes of Chris Gayle, Shane Watson, Daniel Vettori, and Mitchell Starc have played for the franchise. Former Sri Lankan off-spinner Muttiah Muralitharan too was part of RCB in 2012. The team was not short of firepower when it came to foreign players.

With only four foreign players allowed in the playing XI, Murali only got to play nine matches for the team, wherein he managed to pick 14 wickets. He was part of the team for two years, but opportunities arrived slowly back then because of the combinations and playing conditions during that particular season.

While speaking to ESPNCricinfo, Murali spoke about the first year with the RCB and how due to star foreign players like Vettori, Gayle, and AB de Villiers, he could not possibly get into the playing XI.

“At that time I was retired from international cricket. So I was not playing. Anil (Anil Kumble) called me and asked if I was fit and still playing. We would like to have you. I said Anil if you could give me the opportunity I will do my best. But that is up to you. Two franchises were interested I think. Anil picked me in the auctions so I went to RCB. At first, I played at Chinnaswamy Stadium. They already had an overseas spinner in Vettori and had players like Gayle, AB de Villiers. So how can I get in the side,” Murali said

It was challenging to get into the RCB playing XI owing to foreign players: Muttiah Muralitharan

The former Sri Lankan off-spinner also spoke about how it was tough to initially play in the RCB playing XI but gradually he got his chances as the season progressed.

“First six games I could not get in the playing XI but then Kumble gave me a chance for one match and I performed it well. From there I played all six games and I did really well. The second season also went pretty well. In the third season, I was injured because of my groin. It was 2014 and I thought it was enough. Also, I was injured and not performing that well.”