Aakash Chopra, the former India opener, believes teams like Royal Challengers Bangalore, Kings XI Punjab and Delhi Capitals will benefit from Indian Premier League 2020’s proposed move to the UAE.

Virat Kohli-led RCB, along with KXIP and Delhi, are yet to win the IPL title, and Chopra is of the opinion that the tournament’s shift to the UAE due to the Covid-19 pandemic will provide them with the opportunity to start afresh.

“Whatever has happened in the past 12 years,” he said on his YouTube channel, “you need to forget it, as this year if the IPL happens in the UAE then there is no distinctive advantage for any team. If you play at neutral venues, then there is no home crowd support and no familiarity with the pitches. Every team will be starting at par with each other. Mumbai and Chennai are top-class teams, they will eventually catch up even if they get off to a slow start.

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“RCB does not have a strong bowling attack, in the last season they just won three matches at their home ground, they have a limited bowling attack but it can come good in the UAE as there are big grounds. So I really think RCB can be one of the big beneficiaries with the IPL taking place abroad. Yuzvendra Chahal and Pawan Negi will have a big role to play in the UAE.”

Both Kings XI and Delhi, according to Chopra, will benefit from their respective spin departments as well. “Kings XI Punjab would also benefit,” Chopra said. “Glenn Maxwell has a good record in the UAE, their spin department is quite good, they are very nicely placed, I think you need to be worried about Kings XI Punjab this season.

“Delhi Capitals would also benefit as they have good spin attack comprising of R Ashwin, Amit Mishra, Sandeep Lamichhane, and Axar Patel. They tick all the boxes and they would not be complaining.”