IPL 2020: Ramiz Raja predicts tough times for big-hitters in challenging UAE conditions

The 13th season of Indian Premier League (IPL) is around a week away. All the cricket pundits have started speculating various things about the tournament and the major players. Now, Ramiz Raja has opined about the big hitters of the league and mentioned that they will face some discomfort this time. Notably, IPL has moved to UAE this time, as the conditions are not favourable to host the extravaganza in India due to COVID-19.

The pitches in UAE are usually dry and it assists the spinners. The ball doesn’t come to the bat nicely as the wickets are slow. The former Pakistan captain highlighted the same and mentioned that the team who has an excellent spin bowling troop are expected to do better.

“I think the teams who have a good spin department will do well, that is the first thing,” he said.

The defending champions, Mumbai Indians are considered one of the strongest sides in the tournament on the back of its all-rounders. However, Raja mentioned that big hitters of Mumbai, such as Chris Lynn, Kieron Pollard and Pandya brothers could struggle in such conditions.

“The big-hitters will struggle. Like Lynn, Pollard or Pandya brothers, Hardik Pandya probably although he plays spin well,” he mentioned.

The former cricketer also accentuated that teams like Kolkata Knight Riders and Royal Challengers Bangalore, who perform exceptionally at home with great crowd support might struggle in the overseas conditions without any spectators. Also, he said that it will be fascinating to see how teams adjust themselves with conditions in the UAE.

“So, it will be interesting to see how they adjust themselves in neutral territory,” he concluded.

MI to clash against CSK in IPL encounter

The BCCI announced the much-anticipated schedule of IPL 2020, last week. The roster was delayed because 13 members for Chennai Super Kings’ contingent were tested positive for the novel coronavirus. Finally, it was ascertained that tournament will begin from 19th September and CSK will be up against defending champions Mumbai Indians in Abu Dhabi for the inaugural match.

The tournament has captured a lot of headlines as fans are waiting for some cricket action from last six months. The Indian team last played on the tour of New Zealand earlier this year.