Mike Hesson reveals top bowling performers for RCB in IPL 2022

Later this evening, RCB would be taking the yard against the mighty Super Giants for a flight to Ahmedabad for the second qualifier. This hasn’t been a journey that has come easily. It took a boatload of diligence, belief and most importantly having each other’s back that has helped RCB reach the hallowed grounds.

In the latest episode of RCB’s Bold Diaries, Director of cricket operations ?Mike Hesson highlighted the top performers of the season and shed light on how they have contributed in decent shares. 

Talking about the tight bowling in the middle and the death overs, he said, “Wanindu has been exceptional in terms of those middle over wickets for us. You can only control the back of the innings if you take wickets in the middle. The wickets that he has got have been critical. Josh Hazlewood’s come out and he shows experience. He is a banker. He’s got big wickets for us. He’s shown his expertise in the death as well which is being critical.”

While Hasaranga has had a major say in shaping the middle overs, it's Harshal Patel who has been impressive at the death. “Harshal has done what we know he can do. He creates pressure, takes wickets and love the death overs. Not many people put their hands up and say that they want to do that job,” said Hesson.

He would also talk about the combination of Maxwell and Shahbaz Ahmed as the duo that has conjured wonders for the Challengers. “I think Maxwell has been very impressive. He had to bowl in the powerplay, had to bowl tough overs, gone at 7 per over. He’s shown his experience, just made it easy for Shahbaz to do his job and they have combined very nicely from the bowling point of view. Shahbaz for me has got more and more comfortable over the last two years. Those important cameos he has played with the bat and the ball have been very important for us,” he explained.

Mike was also impressed by the joint display of Siraj and Akash Deep, even though he didn’t hesitate in confessing that they haven’t been at their very best and would need some fine tuning. However, there have been a handful of fine displays from them too which has contributed significantly in RCB’s long journey.