'Where are the spinners?' - Aakash Chopra points RCB's weakness ahead of IPL 2024

With the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 right around the corner, all eyes are on the teams' strengths and weaknesses as they prepare for the captivating tournament. With Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) being one of the fan favourites in the league, cricketer-turned-commentator Aakash Chopra has shed light on the weaknesses of the franchise, which is the lack of quality spinners.

RCB will kick off their campaign against defending champions Chennai Super Kings on Friday, March 22 in the curtain-raiser at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai. However, Chopra believes their thin spin attack could be a major hurdle in finding success at the 2024 edition of the much-anticipated tournament.

Despite being armed with an arsenal of experienced fast bowlers, including some noteworthy acquisitions, RCB's spin contingent raises eyebrows. The departure of Wanindu Hasaranga coupled with Shahbaz Ahmed's absence further aggravates the situation.

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In a video on his YouTube channel, Chopra questioned RCB's decision to let go of Wanindu Hasaranga without securing an apt replacement overseas spinner at the auction. With Shahbaz Ahmed also traded to Sunrisers Hyderabad, RCB is left with just Karn Sharma, a lone experienced Indian spinner.

“The weakness is very apparent. When I start counting the bowlers, I feel — where are the spinners? Why don't you buy spinners?”

RCB hesitate a little to use Karn Sharma: Chopra

“You have Karn Sharma, who is a very good bowler, but you hesitate a little while using him. You don't get him to bowl everywhere. Among spinners, they have taken Mayank Dagar from Hyderabad. Mayank Dagar is alright, but Shahbaz Ahmed was also doing as good a job as Mayank Dagar will do,” he said.

He felt the lack of quality spinners could haunt RCB in spin-friendly Chennai against CSK. Chopra predicted that the over-reliance on Australian all-rounders like Glenn Maxwell to fill in the four-over might not be idle for RCB's campaign.

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While RCB acquired Mayank Dagar and have domestic options like Rajan Kumar, the former opener questioned their ability and lack of experience. “I am not seeing any other big names. There are a few domestic names for sure — Rajan Kumar, Himanshu Sharma, Swapnil Singh, but are they the spinners seeing whom you will say — Wow, what a spin combination!” he concluded.