Mike Hesson names three uncapped players to watch out for at RCB

Earlier this week, Royal Challengers Bangalore began their nine-day conditional camp at the Center for Sports Science (CSS) facility in Chennai. The players were seen honing their skills under the tutelage of Simon Katich, Mike Hesson and other members of the support staff.  In recent times, the Virat Kohli-led side has been a breeding ground for youngsters. The likes of Devdutt Padikkal, Navdeep Saini and Washington Sundar have risen through the ranks swiftly.

In an exclusive interview with Hindustan Times, Mike Hesson named three uncapped players - Rajat Patidar, Suyash Prabhudessai and Mohammed Azharuddeen - who can help RCB achieve the pinnacle glory. The above mentioned players were bought for their base price at the IPL auction in February. 

First on the list is Rajat Patidar. The Madhya Pradesh batsman has been churning runs consistently in the domestic cricket. His compact water-tight batting technique is what captivates Mike Hesson. 

“It’s his (Rajat Patidar) first IPL. He’s 27 years old so he understands the first-class system well. He’s a top-quality batsman. He has done well domestically both in Syed Mushtaq Ali and Vijay Hazare. He’s a guy we’ve watched for two years. He’s smallish in stature but certainly generates a huge amount of power. He’s very good against both pace and pace. He’s a player who has excited us and that’s why we were really keen to get him at the auction. We’ve had our training yesterday and once again he showed those skills,”  Hesson was quoted as saying to Hindustan Times.

Mohammed Azharuddeen, who rose to fame with his 37-ball hundred against Mumbai, was thrilled to be picked by his favourite team. Talking about the variety of options he offers to the team, Hesson said: “He’s been around in the system for a while but this is a huge opportunity for him and he’s one of those high impact players in the tournament who can take the pressure off other players. We talk about developing a batting line-up, we have to focus on players who complement each other. So, he’s an exciting prospect, a very good keeper as well. He gives us another option apart from ABD,” 

Suyash Prabhudessai is the fourth Goan player to be picked by an IPL franchise. What better way to begin your IPL career than with a team that includes stalwarts like Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers? Hesson believes that the 23-year-old has the makings of an outstanding finisher. 

“There have only been four players from Goa to come into the IPL and he’s the fourth. An undoubted finisher. He’s got a full range of shots, plays 360 around the ground. Once again quite small in stature but has a huge amount of power. A very good athlete. As far as fielding is concerned, we’ve improved last year but I think you’ll see an even better performance this year,” he added.

[Hindustan Times]