Ahead of the 2nd season of IPL, Royal Challengers Bangalore skipper Virat Kohli feels that the inclusion of the Sri Lankan duo Wanindu Hasaranga and Dushmantha Chameera will add a different dimension to their team in their bid to win their first competition in 14 years.
Bangalore have managed to acquire the services of the mystery spinner and the fast bowler as replacements for Adam Zampa and Kane Richardson. The Australian duo has opted out of the tournament. Meanwhile Tim David and George Garton has also joined RCB as replacements for Daniel Sams and Finn Allen.
RCB is currently occupying the 3rd spot in the points table with 5 wins from 7 encounters. Kohli feels that it is indeed a blessing for them to acquire the services of two players who are familiar with the conditions in UAE. RCB restarts their campaign on 20th September (Monday) with a game against the Kolkata Knight Riders.
"We have made changes, we've got a few replacements. Kane Richardson, Adam Zampa who were with us in the first leg, made a decision not to play in the second leg for reasons which are absolutely understandable," Kohli was quoted as saying by PTI.
"The replacements we have got for those guys are two players who know these conditions, the conditions in the sub continent around this time are similar. Wanidu Hasaranga, Dushmantha Chameera have played so much cricket in Sri Lanka and know how to play in pitches like these. Their skill sets will be of huge help to us.
"We haven't spoken at all on what we have missed out on because players have pulled out. We feel stronger, the new additions have given us a new dimension,” the RCB skipper added.
RCB is among the three teams who are yet to win the IPL. While they started brilliantly in the previous season before falling off their radar in the second half, RCB will look to continue the good work which got them five victories in the first half of this season.
"Having played the game for so long at this level you understand that whether you are seven wins in a row you have to start the eighth with the same passion and commitment and professionalism.
"Whether you have no wins out of five games you still have to find motivation and the passion inside to go out and change the result. You can't take anything for granted.
"On the outside, there are many analyses and data points but the game is not played on that. The game is never about information from the outside it is about reaction, belief in certain moments, game plans and making sure you have the will and commitment to execute those plans,” he further quipped.