Former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra has observed that the Royal Challengers Banglore’s pacer Navdeep Saini, who has also played for Team India, has a great opportunity in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 to become the leader of the franchise’s pace attack. He came to this conclusion after doing the SWOT analysis of the Virat Kohli-led side.
In his YouTube Channel, Aakash Chopra talked about the biggest strengths of the RCB i.e, the two of the finest cricketers Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers. Without doubting their skills, the former cricketer believes they will do their best this year as well.
“One of RCB’s strengths is that they have Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers. When the team has a modern master and an absolute genius, it will be a strength always. And there is no doubt that both of them will do well this year,” Aakash Chopra said.
Chopra also added that this time RCB has more international cricketer, unlike past seasons where uncapped players formed their major part. He believes that it would work as their strength.
“Their second strength this season is that they have added a few names to the aforementioned pair. A lot of international cricketers are going to be a part of the XI. Earlier that was not the case when they used to have a lot of rookie players but now most of the Indians in their squad have played international cricket,” Aakash Chopra added.
Counting the name of Aaron Finch and Moeen Ali in the veteran’s player list, Aakash Chopra said that the Indian youngster Shivam Dube, Navdeep Saini and Washington Sundar have also gained experience in international cricket except for Devdutt Padikkal.
“And then they have Aaron Finch and Moeen Ali. When you talk about players who have played for India, Shivam Dube is now an India player, Navdeep Saini is coming with a good experience and Washington Sundar has played quite a few T20 matches.”
“So when they field their XI, there would only be an odd player who would not have represented their country. The only guy I am thinking like that is Devdutt Padikkal,” Aakash Chopra added.
It’s time for Navdeep Saini to become the leader of the fast bowling pack for RCB: Aakash Chopra
Aakash Chopra reckoned that there would be a lot of players in the RCB lineup who would have opportunities to showcase their potential in IPL 2020.
He named Devdutt Padikkal as the first such player provided that the Karnataka batsman is preferred over Parthiv Patel for the franchise’s opening slot.
“The first name is Devdutt Padikkal. If he gets an opportunity to play because they have another tempting option in Parthiv Patel because he can keep as well. He is a left-handed swashbuckling batsman from Karnataka and could be the guy who would have a huge opportunity.”
He also said that the IPL 2020 is a big opportunity for Shivam Dube to maintain his place as the backup player for Hardik Pandya in the coming two T20 World Cups.
“There would be two T20 World Cups in two consecutive years and there is always an injury issue with Hardik Pandya, so Shivam Dube could be that guy and this could be the IPL where he makes a name for himself and leaves an indelible impression.”
The 42-year-old named Washington Sundar as another member of the RCB squad who could cement his place in the Indian T20 team with consistent performances in IPL 2020.
“Washington Sundar, because if you want to move ahead and want to play regularly for the Indian team, then this is the platform that you need to capitalise.”
But the name which Chopra believes can progress in the upcoming season is Navdeep Saini. He said that it’s the time for the young pacer to emerge as the leader of the RCB seam bowling attack.
“Last but not the least, I am looking at a fast bowler – Navdeep Saini. We have seen till now that he has been very good when he has played with Bumrah and Bhuvi. But even at this young age, it is probably the time now to become the leader of the fast bowling pack for RCB,” Aakash Chopra concluded.
Meanwhile, RCB will play their first match of the tournament against Sunrisers Hyderabad on 21st September.