‘It is absolutely unforgiving’ – Former India batter shares what Bangalore needs to add to their bowling attack

According to former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra, the Bangalore franchise will need to strengthen their bowling for the 2023 edition of the Indian T20 League. He emphasised on this given the small dimensions of their home ground, Chinnaswamy Stadium. Before the mini-auction in Kochi on Friday, December 23, the Bangalore-based franchise already had a formidable bowling lineup.

Reece Topley, who has had a tremendous year for England, was also included in the franchise for the upcoming season. In a video posted on his YouTube channel, Chopra expressed his view that Bangalore’s failure to have a genuine sixth bowling option in the playing XI could be their downfall in the 2023 Indian T20 League.

“You need six bowling options. That is one thing that can trouble this team slightly. They might play Mahipal Lomror because of that or expect bowling from Glenn Maxwell. The Chinnaswamy ground is absolutely unforgiving. It takes the life of good bowlers, so it won’t allow part-timers to even pitch the ball,” said the former Indian opening batter.

I don’t think David Willey will work at the Chinnaswamy ground: Chopra

Chopra highlighted that Bangalore’s bowling has not been tested enough in the last few seasons of the Indian T20 League. “They have regularly qualified for the playoffs for the last few years but an important aspect in that is they were not playing at home but away, whether it was Abu Dhabi and Dubai, or grounds in Maharashtra. They did well there, the bowling was never put under so much pressure,” added the 45-year-old.

The former Kolkata batter talked about playing Topley ahead of David Willey at their home if their premier speedster from Australia Josh Hazelwood isn’t available for the selection. “Josh Hazlewood is not available for the first few games. I don’t think David Willey will work at the Chinnaswamy ground. So if Josh Hazlewood is not there, you will see Reece Topley playing, and Mohammed Siraj and Harshal Patel will make it your three fast bowlers.”

The expert concluded his video by stating that Shahbaz Ahmed and Wanindu Hasaranga cannot be entirely relied upon at the Chinnaswamy. “After that, you have Wanindu Hasaranga and Shahbaz Ahmed but you will have to play one more bowler because you are not sure whether Shahbaz can bowl all his overs considering the ground. We have seen in the Lanka Premier League that even Wanindu concedes 50 in 4 if you go after him.”