Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) head coach Andy Flower is confident in the team’s spin attack for the IPL 2025 season. Andy Flower said that young wrist-spinner Suyash Sharma has immense potential but cautioned fans against expecting results from him in this year’s tournament.
The Royal Challengers will commence their IPL 2025 campaign with back-to-back away games in Kolkata and Chennai. RCB’s spinners will be crucial to their success in spin-friendly conditions. However, there are questions about whether the team has enough strength in their spin department to make an impact.
Suyash Sharma Is a Very Exciting Young Prospect – Andy Flower
Andy Flower said that Suyash Sharma is a very exciting young prospect with limited experience. He admitted that it remains uncertain how he will perform over a full IPL season. Flower also added that Mohit Rathee is a backup option for Sharma.
“On the wristspin front, Suyash is a very exciting young prospect with limited experience but has a really high ceiling. And Mohit Rathee to back him up. You know, we are looking for great things from Suyash, but none of us know exactly how he’s going to go in a full IPL season. And every young player starts off that way,” Flower said.
RCB acquired Suyash Sharma for ₹2.60 crore at the IPL 2025 auction. The 21-year-old had played for Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) over two seasons. He took 10 wickets in 11 matches in IPL 2023 but had limited opportunities in 2024. The spinner played just two games without taking a wicket.
We Are Also Not Expecting Him to Be Shane Warne – Andy Flower
The RCB head coach urged fans to manage their expectations regarding Suyash Sharma, stating that he won’t become a “Shane Warne” overnight. Flower stated that Suyash has potential but added that his development will take time.
“He’s rehabbing after a recent groin surgery and that’s gone really well. That’s been a long-standing injury problem he had, which we identified during the off-season. And he’s had some really good care and attention from RCB. We’re hoping for great things from him. But we are also not expecting him to be, you know, Shane Warne from the off,” Flower added.
He’s Got These Experienced Cricketers Around Him – Andy Flower
Andy Flower said that the presence of experienced players around Suyash, including a supportive captain, will aid his development. Flower stated that having Livingstone as a backup spinner offers the team a reliable option.
“We’ve got to be patient and let him learn from his experiences. And it’s good that he’s got these experienced cricketers around him and a captain he’ll be comfortable working with. To back them up, obviously, Swapnil Singh was good for us last year. and Liam Livingstone does a bit of everything. Having him as backup on the spin department is quite a nice insurance to have. So we’re comfortable with where we are.”
The IPL 2025 season will start with the match between Kolkata Knight Riders and Royal Challengers Bengaluru at Eden Gardens on Saturday, March 22. However, weather conditions could impact the match in Kolkata.
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