The Royal Challengers Bangalore have added uncapped teenage Afghanistan leg-spinner Izharulhaq Naveed as net bowler for the upcoming 15th season of the Indian Premier League (IPL).
The talented 18-year-old leg-spinner, who represented his country in the U19 World Cup held in the West Indies earlier this year, revealed the development by posting a selfie in an RCB jersey in one of his Instagram stories.
Naveed impressed one and all with his guile and control during the U19 World Cup campaign in the Caribbean islands.
He went at just over 3.5 runs per over (3.63) in six outings, besides claiming four wickets.
This will be a great opportunity for the young lad to hone his skills and also develop his all-round game by spending time in the nets with the who's who of world cricket.
Meanwhile, former RCB skipper Virat Kohli is looking forward to the 15th season with 'renewed energy' after having been relieved of leadership duties.
The upcoming season will usher a new era for the Royal Challengers Bangalore as they get ready to play under a new skipper.
Faf du Plessis, who played a stellar role in Chennai Super Kings claiming their 4th title last season, has been appointed as the successor of Virat, who stepped down from the leadership position at the end of the last season.
RCB have managed to make it to the playoffs in the last two seasons but the obvious gaps in their set-up continues to elude the 2016 runners-up.
They have bolstered their pace bowling department by Josh Hazlewood. The Australian pacer has been a revelation in T20 cricket in the last couple of years and his pairing with Mohammad Siraj will be the one to watch out for. Harshal Patel will play the role of a middle-death over enforcer.
With Yuzvendra Chahal no longer a part of their set-up, the Challengers have opted for leg-spinning all-rounder in Wanindu Hasaranga. Dinesh Karthik and Finn Allen have been roped in for the finishing duties but it's their middle-order that still remains a point of contention.
The likes of Mahipal Lomror and Anuj Rawat will be crucial to their fortunes, as will be the opening pair of Faf du Plessis and Kohli.
Both Kohli and Du Plessis have struggled against spin in the middle overs (7-15) and it will be interesting to see how they go about their business this season.
RCB will kickstart a new era under the leadership of Du Plessis when they take on Punjab Kings at Dr. D.Y Patil Stadium in Mumbai on Sunday, March 27.