RCB Bold diaries: Mike Hesson previews the game vs RR; provides an update on Glenn Maxwell

It feels like ages since RCB last played a game in IPL 2022. After a long gap of 5 days, the Royal Challengers are back on the field against the Rajasthan Royals in a mouthwatering contest on Tuesday evening.

Looking ahead to the game against RR, Director of Cricket Operations, Mike Hesson, spoke about the Rajasthan challenge, playing at the Wankhede, and provided clarity on the ‘Big Show’ question.

Having played both the games at the DY Patil Stadium, RCB now will be playing their first game of the season at the Wankhede. How much of a difference does that make? “Both our games have been at DY (Patil stadium) which is quite a different surface and different surroundings, different boundary dimensions. So our first challenge at Wankhede - we have to adapt to different sizes of the boundaries, whether on a used surface or a new one. We know there’s going to be dew, so that’s not an excuse for anybody. We’re just going to have to deal with that,” said Hesson.

Three former RCB players and those who we’ve become accustomed to seeing in Red and Gold will be in the opposition camp for the game tonight. Devdutt Padikkal, Yuzvendra Chahal, and Navdeep Saini will all turn up for the Royals on Tuesday. Having seen them in close quarters, does it give RCB an edge? “It probably helps both parties. They know a lot about us, and we know a lot about them. So, once again it’s probably just down to how well people deal with pressure on the day. All good players that you mentioned, all have done well at times for RCB in the past. We’re looking forward to taking them on, but we’re obviously looking to get one over on them as well,” he explained.

There has been plenty of chatter over the availability of Glenn Maxwell on Social media. Will he play the game against the Rajasthan Royals? Mike Hesson clarified, “From a Cricket Australia point of view, no contracted players are available before the 6th of April. So, regardless of when they arrive over here, no one can play until the 6th. We’ve been well aware of that as any other side, we’ve planned for that. Maxi will be with us and available from the 9th(of April).”