RCB don't have a strong bowling attack but they can be one of the big beneficiaries with IPL 2020 in UAE: Aakash Chopra

As the T20 world cup has been postponed, IPL is all set to be played in UAE later this year. All the teams are now trying to make important changes and prepare the strategies to make them ready for the challenge abroad. The last time IPL was played anywhere outside India was in UAE 2014 due to the general elections in the country.

Each team played first five of their 14 matches in UAE and Mumbai Indians did not enjoy the outing at all, as they lost all 5 of their matches and Chennai dominated that leg. Four-time champions Mumbai Indians and three-time champions Chennai Super Kings are settled teams who can bounce back in the tournament later as well but the problem will be there for the teams with weak bowling line ups.

Former Indian Test opener and now a popular cricket commentator Aakash Chopra spoke about Virat Kohli-led Royal Challengers Bangalore, who have weak and thin bowling line up which can cause them trouble. However, it can lead to a blessing in disguise as their spinners might become 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.

Yuzvendra Chahal and Pawan Negi will have a big role to play in UAE: Aakash Chopra

“Whatever has happened in the past 12 years, you need to forget it, as this year if the IPL happens in the UAE then there is no distinctive advantage for any team. 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,”  Chopra said in a video posted on his official YouTube channel.

“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 captain also praised Kings XI Punjab the team 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.

Chopra also praised Delhi Capitals who have added a lot of finger and wrist spinners to their ammunition in bowling. As the conditions have become spin-friendly this year, this could turn out to be the year for Delhi Capitals.

“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,” Chopra said.

“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,” he added.

Here’s the video: