IPL 2020 | Abu Dhabi doesn’t offer spin as much as Dubai and Sharjah, reveals Mike Hesson

09/08/2020

Mike Hesson has suggested that Abu Dhabi, which has been the base for Mumbai Indians and Kolkata Knight Riders, doesn’t offer as much help as Dubai and Sharjah. The Kiwi man has also added that bowling at the death in Abu Dhabi will be quite different from bowling at Chinnaswamy.

Since taking over the duties of Royal Challengers Bangalore, Mike Hesson has been quite vocal about his vision and the dreams he has with the three-time finalists. Quite a successful coach for New Zealand and known for his tactical acumen, Hesson wanted to bring the puzzles together for a better finish this time. He has started his assessment in the process and after a training session in Sharjah yesterday, Hesson stated that Abu Dhabi doesn’t offer spin as much as Dubai and Sharjah.

“In Abu Dhabi, seamers had played a big role there and probably (the pitch) doesn't (offer) spin as much as the other two grounds (Dubai and Sharjah). It does skid. We need the ability to adjust to conditions on the day as well," Hesson said on RCB’s Bold Diaries, reported PTI.

"Bowling at the death in Abu Dhabi will be quite different from bowling at Chinnaswamy. The lengths you bowl and we have identified our death bowlers," Hesson said.

Although RCB have underperformed in the IPL in the last 12 editions, one factor that has often been forgotten is that they could have won the title at least three times when they made it to the final. The last time the Bangalore-based franchise found themselves in the last two was in 2016 and Hesson said they have plans to counter the plan and push for the title this season.

"We spend a lot of time in reviews and we address where we are strong, whom we need to retain, what gaps we need to fill. We spent a huge amount of time identifying who those players were, more importantly what their roles were..."

"I think there's been a lot of talk about finishing the innings with the ball in the past and we have got some experienced players in that space. Also we can improve on players we already have.... make them a year wise,-.. a year smarter," Hesson added.

RCB will kick-off their IPL 2021 campaign versus David Warner's Sunrisers Hyderabad at the Dubai International Stadium in Dubai on September 21.