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Indian T20 League 2023: Bangalore’s possible playing XI
Bangalore had the second lowest purse at the mini-auction and it won’t be wrong to say that they spent it pretty wisely. Pundits reckoned that they would bid for an opener, however, they, rather, procured the back-up options to Josh Hazlewood and Glenn Maxwell in R Topley and Will Jacks respectively.
Given that they had retained the majority of the players for the next season, the playing XI also isn’t likely to change much for next season. Keeping in mind Reece Topley’s bowling prowess in the shortest format, they could play both him and Hazlewood. However, with Siraj and Harshal in the mix, you won’t see them experiment too much in the first few games, at least.
On that note, here we take a look at Bangalore’s strongest playing XI for the next season:
Batsmen: Virat Kohli, Faf du Plessis, Rajat Patidar, Glenn Maxwell, Mahipal Lomror, and Dinesh Karthik
Virat Kohli and Faf du Plessis: (Image Source: Twitter)
Bangalore didn’t go for an opener at the auction, which means that Virat Kohli is likely to open with Faf du Plessis. Rajat Patidar had a breakthrough season last year and he will be someone who will be watched a lot. Maxwell will be the vital cog at number four, followed by Lomror at five and Dinesh Karthik, once again, taking the wicket-keeper’s role. Karthik, too, had an outstanding season last year and also received a recall in the Indian team. Will he be able to replicate those performances this year remains to be seen.
All-rounders: Shahbaz Ahmed and Harshal Patel
Harshal Patel and Shahbaz Ahmed: (Image Source: Twitter)
The presence of Shahbaz Ahmed and Harshal Patel gives you added depth in the batting unit. Shahbaz showed last season that he can hit some lusty blows and play those valuable cameos with the bat. Besides, he will fulfill the duties of a left-arm spin and provide variety in the spin attack.
Harshal Patel didn’t have a great outing for the Indian team at the 20-20 World Cup 2022 but always manages to make an impression when he dons the Bangalore jersey. He will continue to be an integral part of the team.
Bowlers: Wanindu Hasaranga, Josh Hazlewood, M Siraj
Josh Hazlewood: (Image Source: Twitter)
Wanindu Hasaranga will perform the duties of the lead spinner in the team. He is, currently, one of the best spinners in the world and Bangalore would be happy to procure his services for the next season as well. Josh Hazlewood has some injury concerns but would hopefully be fully fit before the season starts. He will share the fast bowling duties alongside Mohammed Siraj.
