IPL 2021: Mike Hesson names three RCB uncapped players to watch out for

Mike Hesson, the Royal Challengers Bangalore’s (RCB) Director of Cricket Operations, has named Rajat Patidar, Suyash Prabhudessai and Mohammed Azharduddeen as the ones, who could hog the limelight in the 2021 Indian Premier League (IPL).

Patidar plays for Madhya Pradesh and has a T20 strike-rate of 143.53. The 27-year-old batter also has six half-centuries in a mere 22 matches at an average of 34.95 with a top score of 96 against Goa in Indore. RCB brought him at his base price of INR 20 lakhs.

Mike Hesson shares his opinions

“It’s his (Rajat Patidar) first IPL. He’s 27 years old so he understands the first-class system well. He’s a top-quality batsman. He has done well domestically both in Syed Mushtaq Ali and Vijay Hazare. He’s a guy we’ve watched for two years,” Hesson was quoted as saying to Hindustan Times.

Azharuddeen went for his base price of INR 20 lakhs after he impressed in the domestic circuit. He has a top score of an unbeaten 137, a knock that brought him into the limelight. Even in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, he scored a couple of fifties, showing his impressive form.

“Mohammed Azharuddeen is another one. He’s enterprising, obviously came to the limelight after scoring a hundred against Mumbai in the Syed Mushtaq Ali. It was televised, so everybody must have seen what he can do when he’s at his best,” Hesson stated on Azharuddeen.

RCB also roped in Prabhudessai at a price of INR 20 lakhs. He also had an impressive campaign in the SMAT. In 17 T20s thus far, the 23-year-old has scored 357 runs at a strike-rate of 148.13 with a top score of an unbeaten 80.

“There have only been four players from Goa to come into the IPL and he’s the fourth. An undoubted finisher. He’s got a full range of shots, plays 360 around the ground. Once again quite small in stature but has a huge amount of power. A very good athlete. As far as fielding is concerned, we’ve improved last year but I think you’ll see an even better performance this year,” Hesson said.

RCB are scheduled to start their campaign when they face defending champions Mumbai Indians (MI) in the tournament opener at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.