Mike Hesson reveals why the IPL auction ahead of the 2023 season is important for RCB

As the IPL auction for the latest edition of the tournament is almost upon us, Mike Hesson spoke at length about RCB’s possible stance heading into the auction and also backed all his points with a detailed explanation, answering the why’s. This is going to be Mike’s fourth auction with RCB and the New Zealand preceptor seemed pretty excited about it.

Talking on RCB’s Bold Diaries, Mike Hesson highlighted the reason behind RCB’s consistency as they have bagged three consecutive play-off spots in the last three seasons. Hesson said, “I think having a stable base from a support staff point of view is important. From a business point of view, from a franchise point of view, we would be really happy with the way we have operated. It’s given the players some stability as well.”

He further talked about what is going to be RCB’s style of play in the forthcoming season as he added, “We are really clear about how we want to play the game. And that provides players with some clarity. Therefore, they have the best chance of being successful. We are certainly still looking to improve as a side. We have made the play-offs but we haven’t made the top two yet. Making the cut for the top two gives you a far better chance of winning. This is something we are consistently trying to do. That is why this auction is important. Not necessarily for marquee players but for us to do a little bit of tweaking and adding stability to give ourselves some flexibility.”

RCB's Director of Cricket Operations also revealed the long-time planning that was in place, especially after the catch-up in Dubai, stating, “We already confirmed our retentions list. There were a few numbers of meetings leading up to that to make sure, we were all comfortable about where we were at. It was a matter of keeping the key people together. Coaches, captain and from a management and scouting point of view, we just looked at the way in which we want to play the game. And when we play, how do we structure our team? We also discussed about the changes that we can make with the ‘Impact Rule’. That also gives us some different options in how you might utilize the balance of the team. We wanted to just talk through that. It gave us a chance to get together and nudge a few things out without the pressure of an auction so that we can challenge our general thinking and questions ourselves, why we are playing someone or the other and the rationale behind that. It was really a valuable couple of days.”