Former Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) captain Anil Kumble believes that the Bengaluru-based franchise had to release England all-rounder Liam Livingstone because of the cost factor.
Kumble said that RCB need to strengthen their bowling, which might also have influenced the decision to leave out Livingstone.
“I’m sure other franchises will be interested in him,” he told JioStar. “His high price tag was likely a factor in the release. RCB also need to find backup options — both an overseas fast bowler and an Indian fast bowler — to support their main bowling attack of Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Josh Hazlewood. This need for bowling depth might be another reason behind this tough call.”
Livingstone was brought in from Punjab Kings (PBKS) to RCB for 8.75 crore with high hopes, but he failed to meet expectations, scoring just 112 runs in 10 matches at an average of 16, while with the ball he took two wickets.
Kumble praised the 32-year-old for his unique bowling flexibility.
“What makes him special is his bowling flexibility; he bowls leg spin to right-handers and off spin to left-handers, plus he’s a good fielder, making him a complete package. Unfortunately, he didn’t have a great IPL season for RCB last year and also missed out on selection for England,” he said.
The former India leg-spinner coached Livingstone when he was with PBKS. In the 2022 season he was brilliant for the Punjab-based franchise, scoring 437 runs in 14 matches at an average of 36.42 while also taking six wickets.
“Releases are always tough calls. Liam Livingstone is someone I enjoyed working with closely, and he was extremely good for Punjab in IPL 2022 — probably his best IPL season. He can change the game single-handedly in just a few overs with his powerful batting,” he added.
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