Practice diaries: RCB spinners turn heads in Dubai heat
Having acclimatized to the conditions in the UAE, Royal Challengers Bangalore spinners are now gearing up for the much-famed slow pitches of the UAE.
The spin battery of Yuzvendra Chahal, Pawan Negi, Shahbaz Ahmad, and Washington Sundar have all started spending substantial amount of time in the nets, bowling to the specialist batters of the squad particularly Virat Kohli.
Kohli, who expressed satisfaction after his first session of the net practice, was too seen getting used to the spinners and had a discussion with the spinners about the conditions and the pitches.
Washington Sundar, who was among the first to hit the nets, said, “I think things are going very well and we have getting wickets where we have assistance for spinners as well and we can expect the same when the tournament starts, so I think it is pretty good so far. The kind of heat there has been in the last few days we can definitely see a lot of assistance for the spinners especially in the middle of the tournament.”
While all-rounder Shahbaz Ahmad who rolled his arms before hitting the nets with the bat too shared his observations about the wickets. “The wicket is a bit slow here so that ball does not come onto the bat nicely so that is what we discussed with Virat Kohli on how to bowl on these wickets, what areas and variations will be good. We were facing difficulties with the weather earlier but have now adjusted to it.”
The highlight of the day was Yuzvendra Chahal bowling to Virat Kohli. Both stalwarts have started assessing the conditions in the UAE. “Whenever you bowl to Virat, you have to be at your best. I spoke to him about what pace I can bowl on this wicket. He advised me to be a bit quicker as the wicket is slow so I practiced accordingly,” said Chahal.
With the conditions in the UAE expected to favour the spinners, RCB have bolstered their spin department further by including Adam Zamap in the squad who has replaced compatriot Kane Richardson. Richardson is not available as he expecting the birth of his child.
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