IPL Auction: Faf du Plessis, Josh Hazlewood, Dinesh Karthik will bring real strength to RCB- Sanjay Bangar

Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) head coach Sanjay Bangar was satisfied with his side’s overall squad after the IPL 2022 mega auction. Bangar said that the inclusion of former South African batter Faf du Plessis, Australia pacer Josh Hazlewood and senior wicketkeeper batter Dinesh Karthik had added “real strength” to the batting department.

RCB roped in IPL 2021 Purple cap holder Harshal Patel (Rs 10.75 crore), Sri Lankan leg-spinner Wanindu Hasaranga (Rs 10.75 crore), Hazlewood (Rs 7.75 crore), Faf du Plessis (Rs 7 crore), and these all are the top buys among the 19 players bought by the team at the Indian Premier League (IPL) mega auction 2022.

IPL 2022 Auction: FULL LIST OF SOLD PLAYERS, COMPLETE SQUADS

“We are quite satisfied with our haul at the auctions to form a balanced team. Our plan was to bring stability and at the same time, have variations owing to the changing situations in a T20 tournament,” Bangar said in an RCB release.

“We aimed to have a solid role for each player that we pick along with some back-ups in the same form. We have achieved a well-rounded pool of talents from international and domestic cricket.

Empowering youth + Backing experience is what our #PlayBold philosophy is all about.

A job well done in assembling our #BoldSquad for #IPL2022. #WeAreChallengers pic.twitter.com/DI2X4KLWc2

— Royal Challengers Bangalore (@RCBTweets) February 14, 2022

“The addition of Faf du Plessis adds real strength to the batting department. He is a proven performer, a seasoned campaigner and has delivered at the highest levels. We were looking at someone who can solidify our top order and his inclusion into the team solves just that, with diverse experience of playing across formats gives us options, not only in terms of opening the batting line but also with leadership skills,” Bangar explained.

The RCB head coach also explained how the team’s bowling department has faired following the conclusion of the IPL 2022 mega auction.

“Josh Hazelwood brings a great arch to the bowling department. He has been on the circuit for quite some time, showing us every time what he does the best and brings a wealth of experience in the T20 format,” said Bangar.

“Wanindu Hasaranga is a wrist spinning all-rounder who can bat at 7, and we were looking closely at picking a quality leggie in the spin department. The fact that he can contribute with the bat as well is a great value addition. We required a good No. 6 and a finisher, who we found in Dinesh Karthik. Harshal Patel did exceptionally well in the last season and was a natural choice for us to go that mile on the bid.