RCB Bold diaries: You want to push for one of those top two spots: Mike Hesson

It’s the halfway mark of the league phase of IPL 2022 for RCB, and the team sits third on the points table level on points with the other two teams above with five wins. With the SRH challenge on the horizon later in the day, and an important second half to look forward to, Director of Cricket operations Mike Hesson gave a lowdown on what to look forward to.

RCB have had similar electric starts in the past two seasons, but have not managed to finish in the top 2 with a slight dip in form occurring in the latter part of the season. How does Mike Hesson look at this pattern? “The second half we win four out of seven rather than five, but we’ve tended to make it hard for ourselves to make it to the final. And obviously, when you’re in a position like this, you want to push for one of those top two spots, and that’s something we’re trying to do - getting better every game, and if we do that, we’re gonna give ourselves a chance,” he explained.

The second half of the season for RCB begins with the SRH challenge, and the skipper Kane Williamson is someone Mike Hesson knows really well. How would he be approaching this game? “Well, Kane’s pretty methodical in terms of how he prepares. He’s very professional. He’s obviously brought that team together after a tough start losing the first couple of games. There was talk about them being out of their depth, and they’re far from that. He’s got the best out of their seam bowling attack,” Hesson praised.

What does he make of the Sunrisers’ team composition ahead of the big Saturday evening game between the Southern teams? “It’s a diverse group - left-armers, right-armers, plenty of pace on offer, and if Washington Sundar is back, some experience with the spin bowling as well. They’re a well-rounded bowling attack. With the bat, obviously, Kane carries quite a burden there with the bat upfront, and his wicket is gonna be huge for us,” said Hesson.