RCB has a decent bowling line-up for the first few games, they will have some issues. While Wanindu Hasaranga will not be available, Josh Hazlewood is not first for almost the first half of the tournament. This makes things difficult for RCB. However, they will look to address this using the ‘Impact Player’ rule. Here, we take a look at two players RCB can use as the Impact Player if they bat first against Mumbai Indians.
1) Akash Deep
Akash Deep from West Bengal has had a terrific domestic season. He is in good form and would be the most likely cricketer to come on the field for RCB if they bat first.
It is possible that RCB will use Akash Deep as an enforcer in the middle-order. He actually did decently well in IPL 2022 when he was given a similar role. Now that he is in form, his confidence might help him do better. Moreover, the form of Harshal Patel is not known and considering this, the value of Akash is very high for RCB.
2) Avinash Singh
Avinash Singh Manhas is one of the players RCB can use as the Impact Player if they bat first against Mumbai Indians. One of the most exciting signings made by RCB at IPL 2023 Auctions is that of Avinash Singh. The pacer hails from Jammu & Kashmir and has an action similar to that of Umran Malik. It is said that he can also generate serious pace like Umran.
Raw pace is one aspect that is missing in RCB’s bowling puzzle. Depending on the opposition and the pitch conditions, they could field someone like Avinash Singh in the pace attack. While he brings in the surprise element, if Avinash clicks, RCB’s bowling attack would improve a lot. Some of the other choices for RCB include Siddharth Kaul and Karn Sharma/
