RCB have the greatest modern-day batsman but what they lack are bowlers: Kevin Pietersen

After a considerable delay, the much-awaited IPL 2020 finally unfolded on September 19th in the UAE. As expected, the first two matches of the T20 extravaganza were full of excitement and thrill. In the opening fixture, Chennai Super Kings defeated defending champions Mumbai Indians and in the second clash, Delhi Capitals thumped Kings XI Punjab in a nail-biting game which involved a Super Over.

The third match of the season will see Virat Kohli-led Royal Challengers Bangalore locking horns with ‘Orange Army’ Sunrisers Hyderabad. Eyeing to win their maiden IPL trophy, RCB will start their campaign on 21st September against Sunrisers Hyderabad at Dubai International Cricket Stadium.

Since the inception of the IPL, RCB have relied heavily on their batting force. Things won’t be different this season as the Bangalore franchise will trust skipper Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers to steer their batting force. However, their bowling has been a concern since many years. Over-reliance on batting set-up and a weak bowling camp has kept RCB away from the title, according to many fans.

The acquisition of Adam Zampa has been good: Kevin Pietersen

Former England stalwart Kevin Pietersen, who also was a part of RCB in 2009-2010, pointed out the franchise’s bowling woes. One of the first few batsmen who introduced the ‘switch-hit’, Pietersen said that RCB has two rock-solid batting pillars in their camp– Kohli and de Villiers.

But Pietersen pointed out that they’ve lacked with quality in their bowling contingent. With the presence of Dale Steyn and Adam Zampa, RCB are expected to mount a title challenge this season. Apart from new recruits Steyn and Zampa, RCB also have the likes of Yuzvendra Chahal, Umesh Yadav, Navdeep Saini and Mohammed Siraj.

“I don’t know how many IPLs I have done now, sitting here and previewing every single one of them. It’s always that question about RCB and can they do it. Now, they are proven performers with the bat, they can bat and are brilliant with the bat. They have the greatest batsman, the greatest modern-day batsman that’s in their team, they’ve got the second greatest modern-day batman that’s in their team as well,” said Pietersen on Star Sports’ Cricket LIVE.

“They form a formidable batting partnership and I stress the batting partnership because what they’ve lacked is bowlers. Last year, when Dale Steyn came over, having lost a number of games in a row, they got a fast bowler and they started to win a couple of games. So, the strength and depth that they would have brought into that, the acquisition of Adam Zampa as well has been good,” he further added.