Former Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) captain Virat Kohli has picked two cricketers who can have breakthrough seasons in IPL 2022. The Bangalore kick off their campaign against Punjab Kings today at the DY Patil Sports Complex.
Speaking via the franchise’s social media handle, Kohli selected two players and also labeled one of them as a “breakthrough season potential”. Virat Kohli’s first pick was Sri Lanka’s Wanindu Hasaranga and the batter praised his skills.
“I am particularly excited about Wanindu, I think he is someone who could really come into the zone. He has the skills to have a great season, a really consistent season”, he said.
Wanind Hasaranga was part of RCB’s contingent last season and was released after IPL 2021. He rejoined the franchise for Rs 10.75 crore in the mega auction this year. Last year, he played two matches and failed to take any wickets.
Virat Kohli also had special praise for 22-year-old Anuj Rawat. The uncapped wicketkeeper-batter was bought by RCB for Rs 3.4 crore during the mega auction and represented Rajasthan Royals (RR) last year.
“Anuj is another one who is a very exciting talent. (He is) a breakthrough season potential. These are the names that I look at,” Kohli added.
“I’m sure Orange cap will under threat” – Ravi Shastri on opener Virat Kohli
Former India head coach Ravi Shastri, who has seen Kohli from close quarters, believes the talismanic run-scorer can win the Orange Cap if he opens the innings for RCB.
Shastri, in conversation with Star Sports on Saturday, said:
“If Virat Kohli open in this IPL 2022, then I’m sure Orange cap will under threat.”
The only time Kohli had won the Orange Cap was in the 2016 season.