Royal Challengers Bangalore roped in Australian leg-spinner Adam Zampa as Kane Richardson’s replacement ahead of IPL 2020. While cricket pundits continue to speculation why Bangalore picked a spinner in place of a pacer, Mike Hesson has explained the rationale behind the decision.
Incidentally, Kane and his wife are expecting the arrival of their child. As a result, the fast bowler has decided to pull out of IPL 2020 to stay with his wife during this difficult period. The Virat Kohli-led franchise was quick to rope in Zampa as a replacement.
Mike Hesson explains why RCB roped Adam Zampa
RCB’s Director of Cricket Operations, Mike Hesson has finally explained the reason behind picking Adam Zampa for the cash-rich league. He believes Zamp’s presence will add variety to the spin department. Hesson also added he will come handy on wickets which assist the spinners.
“When looking at our squad for UAE conditions we felt it was an opportunity to bring in another quality leg spinner in Adam Zampa to provide cover for Chahal and also give us extra options if conditions suit spin as expected during the tournament,” Hesson added.
Adam Zampa has enjoyed a good run in the IPL is at the third spot in the list of best bowling spells in the tournament.
He had scalped 6 for 19 while playing for Rising Pune Supergiant against Sunrisers Hyderabad in 2016. Overall, Zampa has claimed 19 wickets in 11 matches at an average of 14.63.
Furthermore, Mike Hesson also offered Kane Richardson and his wife luck for the upcoming good times. He also agreed that they will miss the Aussie pacer, who was at the top of his game. Richardson has been in good touch with his performances with the national team.
“We are disappointed to not have Kane’s skills with us this IPL, as he was certainly on top of his game. However once we found out Kane and Nyki’s baby was due during the IPL, it’s an exciting time, and we were fully supportive of Kane wanting to be at the birth of their first child,” Hesson said.
Meanwhile, Royal Challengers Bangalore have already begun training after six-day mandatory quarantine. They are likely to play the IPL 2020 opener against defending champions Mumbai Indians.