IPL 2021: RCB coach feels THIS bowler will be the leading wicket-taker

IPL 2021: RCB coach feels THIS bowler will be the leading wicket-taker: Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) spinner Yuzvendra Chahal has been the side’s ace bowler during their time of need in the Indian Premier League (IPL) for the last few years. The leg-spinner has been applauded time and again for his brilliant bowling performances at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium (RCB’s home venue). Chinnaswamy carries the reputation of being in favour of the batsmen. Chahal, who has been leading RCB’s bowling attack for quite some time, had an excellent IPL 2020. However, his performances in the other spheres, like the India vs Australia series was not what the team wanted and he was dropped from the England tour. 

But despite all of this, RCB head coach, Simon Katich has chosen to show immense faith in the leg-spinner.

RCB head coach backs Yuzvendra Chahal despite struggles

Chahal’s stats in IPL 2020 have been interesting since he was the only spinner in the list of top-five leading wicket-takers with 21 wickets in 15 matches. However, RCB could come under a lot of pressure if his recent form is to be considered. The Chahal stats in the first T20Is against Australia read 44/1, 34/1 and 41/1 which led to his exclusion.

Meanwhile, RCB team head coach Simon Katich has come to Chahal defense and said his ouster from India’s playing XI could be a blessing in disguise for the leg-spinner, who will not be worn out for the new IPL season. While speaking to Royal Challengers Bangalore website, Katich reiterated that the thing about the senior players is that they have got a fight for a spot.

He also added that the RCB team management knows Chahal will be ready for any kind of  challenge that is thrown his way.

“Thing you know about the senior player, we know that they are gonna fight for the contest, we know he (Yuzvendra Chahal) is always up for it, he is always buzzing. He is a very skillful bowler but he is also a very smart bowler. We saw that last year. We asked him to be our leading wicket-taker bowler, we got that role for him by balancing the team the way we needed it to. Took a bit of heat off him having him bowl knowing the powerplay as he had in the past and he didn’t let us down.

“I think 21 wickets, he was outstanding, he won us a number of games with the ball at critical times. So, obviously, there are high expectations from him but we also know there is support around him in the bowling line-up to allow him that attacking role from the ball particularly in the middle over,” said Simon Katich. 

The former Australian cricketer said that there is support around Chahal with their bowling line-up that is going to give him enough space to play the game the way he likes.