Aakash Chopra, the former Indian opener-turned commentator, gave his views on the 13th edition of the IPL taking place in the UAE and how it might have an impact on the batsmen and the chances of the eight franchises.
According to reports, the 13th edition of the Indian Premier League is all set to take place in the United Arab Emirates [UAE] between September 26-November 07, and Aakash Chopra feels that the change in venue might actually help Virat Kohli’s Royal Challengers Bangalore.
Chopra opined that with the grounds of UAE being large in size, RCB’s ‘weak’ bowling attack might not get exposed.
“Batting conditions would not have much of an impact. In fact, certain teams may start feeling better. RCB for example, because when the grounds are big your bowling is not exposed that much even if it is weak. RCB I think might actually do well.” Aakash Chopra said while replying to a fan’s question on his Youtube channel.
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CSK and KXIP will also benefit from the change in venue: Aakash Chopra
Aakash Chopra also reckoned that large grounds in the UAE will also help teams like Chennai Super Kings, who have a spin-dominant attack and Kings XI Punjab since the likes of Glenn Maxwell enjoy batting on those tracks.
You have got teams who have a lot of good spinners, so Chennai Super Kings will once again be the super kings.”
“Even Kings XI Punjab, the place suits them a lot as well since Maxwell plays very well there.” Chopra said.
Aakash Chopra also said that while batting conditions will not change substantially with the change in venue from India to the UAE, batsmen will, however, have to adjust themselves to the oppressive heat of the UAE.
‘There will be no problem although they might have to fight a little bit with the heat. For now, the weather is good. Let’s be fair, UAE experiences a lot of heat. But September and October are still the pleasant months.” he added.
