IPL 2013 preview, Bangalore Royal Challengers vs Kings XI: Fit but playing not in my hands, says Muralitharan
Sri Lankan spin-king Muralitharan has recovered from a groin injury. This season, he has not made much of an impact for RCB but Murali feels as long as the team is winning, it's fine.
Several experts feel Royal Challengers Bangalore have not utilized their bowling resources well. After losing to Kolkata Knight Riders in Ranchi, Bangalore probably understood the value of having slow bowlers in the side. Ahead of Tuesday's crucial home clash against Kings XI Punjab, there is good news in the Bangalore camp - Muthiah Muralitharan is fit and available.
Bangalore have to win both their home games, their next one is against Chennai Super Kings, to make the last four of the IPL. Virat Kohli has to make sure his game plans click in both games. Muralitharan has not been able to make a significant contribution so far, but the spin legend is known to be a 'big' day player and his fingers must be itching for a bowl.
Muralitharan has recovered from a groin problem and is available. He writes in his column for a leading daily: "I am back with the team after working hard on a groin niggle. Whether I play or not will depend on what the management judge to be the best team balance. As an overseas player, that makes things frustrating sometimes."
Former New Zealand and RCB skipper Daniel Vettori will be sharing similar sentiments as RCB are surely in a spot of bother after the Ranchi defeat.
Meanwhile, Muralitharan has praised Sachithra Senanayake for his impressive debut for Kolkata Knight Riders.
"He is an exciting prospect for Sri Lanka and it's great to see him bowling well whenever the conditions allow for KKR to play two spinners. He is a guy that has worked incredibly hard over the past couple of years and he's become a very skillful off-spinner who has good variation," says Murali on Senanayake.
Will Bangalore opt for two spinners today?