IPL 2020: Mike Hesson Explains The Reason For Gurkeerat Mann's Batting Promotion

Mike Hesson, who is the director of cricket of Royal Challengers Bangalore, has revealed the reason behind sending Gurkeerat Singh Mann ahead of Virat Kohli at number three in their chase against Kolkata Knight Riders.

RCB on the back of brilliant bowling performance from their bowlers, especially Mohammed Siraj, halted KKR to a paltry score of 84 in the allotted 20 overs. Chasing the target, openers Aaron Finch and Devdutt Padikkal, got their team off to a good start with a partnership of 46 runs. When Finch got out in the seventh over, instead of the regular number three, Virat Kohli, in walked Gurkeerat Mann.

Soon, in the same over, Padikkal got run-out, and captain Kohli came out to crease. Gurkeerat Mann, with his skipper, stitched a partnership of 39 runs and comfortably took the team past the finish line.

It was done to give him some confidence: Mike Hesson

Mike Hesson has now given the reason for sending Gurkeerat ahead of Kohli. Hesson said the right-hander was promoted up the order to gain some confidence. He was part of four matches this season but has batted just once before their encounter against Kolkata. Also, Gurkeerat is a good player of spin and Hesson thought it would be fruitful to bat him when KKR’s mystery spinner Varun Chakravarthy comes into the bowl.

Hesson said in a video posted on RCB social media handle, “It was done to give him some confidence. He is only one in the top five who didn’t get a chance to bat before the last game. We also knew that if Varun Chakravarthy came in Gurkeerat has the ability to take on the spin.”

Gurkeerat had the fortunes to be at the non-striker end when AB de Villiers was carting the Rajasthan Royals; bowlers all around the park in their previous match. After their game, he talked about the learning he has gained watching Ab de Villiers and then with Virat Kohli from the non-striker’s end.

“Last time it was AB sir and with Virat bhai. A lot to learn from them and it is always good to bat alongside them and hopefully many more winning moments like these, “Gurkeerat said.

RCB now sits at the second position in the points table after their emphatic victory against KKR. Virat Kohli’s men will face the struggling Chennai Super Kings on Sunday.

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