IPL 2025: Andy Flower expresses confidence in RCB's spin attack
What's the story
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) will start their Indian Premier League 2025 season on the road. They will play their first match in Kolkata and another in Chennai.
Both venues are known for their spin-friendly pitches and hence, RCB's spinners will have to deliver this season.
Head coach Andy Flower is confident about the team's spin department, led by Krunal Pandya and including wrist-spinners Suyash Sharma and Mohit Rathee, and part-timer Liam Livingstone.
Here's more.
Spin strategy
RCB's spin attack: A mix of experience and potential
An experienced left-arm orthodox spinner, Krunal will lead RCB's spin department.
Although his IPL economy of 7.36 and average of 34.28 makes him a defensive bowler, Flower considers it an advantage for the team.
He said Krunal was a big part of their targeted players in the auction because of his smartness, courage, leadership experience and class as a left-arm spinner.
Words
'Krunal was a significant part of our targeted players'
Speaking in a press conference in Kolkata on Friday, Flower praised Krunal and why RCB targeted him.
"Krunal was a significant part of our targeted players in the auction. He's a smart and courageous cricketer and he's got leadership experience as well. So having his nous, he's a street-wise operator and he's obviously got class as a left-arm spinner, let alone as an all-rounder. That is comforting to have in our group and leading the way in the spin department."
Young talent
Young spinners and part-timers: Flower's expectations
Flower also recognized the potential of wrist-spinners Suyash and Rathee, and part-timer Livingstone.
He called Suyash an exciting young prospect with little experience but a high ceiling.
Despite Suyash's limited IPL experience, Flower is optimistic about his performance this season.
"You know, we are looking for great things from Suyash," he said in a press conference, adding they aren't expecting him to be "Shane Warne" right away but have to be patient and let him learn from his experiences.
Suyash
'We are looking for great things from Suyash'
Flower also feels Suyash is an exciting young prospect.
"On the wristspin front, Suyash is a very exciting young prospect with limited experience, but has a really high ceiling. And Mohit Rathee to back him up," Flower said.
"You know, we are looking for great things from Suyash, but none of us know exactly how he's going to go in a full IPL season. And every young player starts off that way," he added.
Fast bowling
RCB's fast bowling lineup: A mix of experience and youth
Despite concerns over RCB's spin-bowling department, Flower was confident about the team's fast bowlers.
The squad features Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Josh Hazlewood, Yash Dayal, Lungi Ngidi, Nuwan Thushara and Rasikh Salam.
Flower feels having a balance of experienced seamers and in-form quicks provides them enough leaders to take the pressure off new captain Rajat Patidar.
He stressed on influential players who have performed at the top level for instilling confidence in the team.