IPL 2021: RCB squad lands in UAE, to undergo six-day quarantine before starting preparations

Royal Challengers Bangalore team have arrived in the United Arab Emirates for starting their preparation for the second leg of the Indian Premier League 2021. The team had done well in the first leg, winning five of their seven matches, and was hoping to finally break the jinx and bring home their maiden title. 

Some of the key players are yet to join the squad in the middle east. For example, captain Virat Kohli along with fast-bowler Mohammed Siraj will arrive in the UAE only after the ongoing Test series between England and India ends on September 14. Royal Challengers Bangalore had updated the fans via a tweet in the afternoon about the departure from India.

On the evening of August 29, the social media team of the franchise further shared pictures of the team arriving in the UAE. Through the social media post, it was also informed that the whole squad will be quarantined in Dubai for six days before they can begin their preparations. It should be noted that Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians have already landed in the UAE and have started their preparations.

Wanindu Hasaranga and Dushmantha Chameera get NOCs from SLC to join RCB

RCB have signed some new faces for the second phase of the tournament. The Sri Lankan duo of Wanindu Hasaranga and Dushmantha Chameera has been signed by the franchise for the second leg in the absence of Adam Zampa and Daniel Sams. The duo was also given NOCs by Sri Lanka Cricket on Sunday. Along with them, Tim David, the Singapore-born Australian cricketer, has also been signed as a replacement. 

Talking about RCB’s season so far, the team under Virat Kohli started their 2021 campaign with a bang. They won the first four matches to solidify their place on the points table early on. They ended up losing two of their next three matches. Their performances so far suggest that the team could well and truly be on the hunt for their maiden title. 

RCB’s first match in the second leg will be against Kolkata Knight Riders in Abu Dhabi on September 20. In the 2020 season, these two teams had played a game at the same venue, with RCB absolutely trashing the KKR side on that occasion.