Follow UsRoyal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) will come up against Punjab Kings (PBKS) in Match 3 of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2022 at the DY Patil Stadium, Navi Mumbai. Both teams will embark this season with new sets of players and also new captains as they look to end their title drought.
Former Australia and Netherlands pacer Dirk Nannes is happy with the way PBKS’ batting has shaped up but is concerned about their bowling.
“I would be petrified to play against them as a fast bowler. But as a batsman in the opposition, nothing really worries me too much. They have got some decent bowling,” Nannes said on Cricket.com.
“They have Arshdeep Singh, who they see as someone who brings real value in him. Left-armers are diamonds because they are so hard to find, especially an Indian left-armer. But I don't think they've got the bowling to deliver. They've got the batting, but I don't reckon they’ve got the bowling to get them there.”
Speaking of Arshdeep, Nannes reckons there will be pressure on the young pacer this time around given that he is one of the two players retained by the franchise.
“When you are an emerging talent as he has been, there's less pressure on you. Being retained has a completely different set of pressure and expectations that come with it. You're driving to the ground and your face is up on the billboard,” Nannes who has played for three IPL franchises said.
“It's a completely different mental game you're playing essentially, off the field. Can you handle that pressure? His death bowling is outstanding. Last few years he has gone for 9.6 in the last four overs, which is outstanding.
“Whenever he gets the ball, he has got to be the one to get the wickets. In the past, he is someone who takes up the third, fourth, fifth position in the side. He is now THE MAN and that's a completely different pressure to be able to come in under that demand.
“He will be ably supported by Rabada when he is there. Can he rise to the challenge? Yes, the talent is there, but whether he does will be a fascinating little by plays in their season.”
Nannes has also backed RCB pacer Mohammed Siraj to have an excellent season.
“It's a massive season. He has been retained. He is no longer a fringe player. He is now a regular in the Indian side. This is the first time he has been relied upon to do really well. Not a whole lot of wickets last year, but his economy was outstanding,” Nannes said.
“He is in the prime of his career in terms of age as a fast bowler. He is experienced, he knows his game inside-out and the competitiveness that he shows in a game is wonderful to watch.
“He has to have a big season for RCB to do really well. I reckon he is going to be excellent. He is going to cope really well. I love his attitude, love his competitiveness and I think he'll thrive in that environment and with that extra responsibility.”