Hesson confident RCB middle order will click

Bengaluru: Royal Challengers Bangalore’s run in the IPL has been highlighted by individual brilliance with Faf du Plessis’ (405 runs) and Mohammed Siraj (13) wearing the orange and purple caps respectively at the same time. The sparks haven’t really lit up RCB’s campaign due to the middle-order’s lack of form and application. Mike Hesson, RCB’s director of cricket is confident of the middle-order coming together in the away matches. “Last year our top order struggled and the likes of Shahbaz (Ahmed), DK (Dinesh Karthik) and (Mahipal) Lomror were exceptional for us. This year we have played most of our games at home and our top order was always going to do well here. As the tournament unfolds and we get away from the Chinnaswamy stadium, they (the middle order) will get a lot of opportunities and we have confidence in them. We haven't lost faith in them,” said the New Zealander.Du Plessis meanwhile, has been struggling with a rib injury sustained during the match against Chennai Super Kings. The South African has been limited to playing the role of an opener and has been replaced by the Impact Player. Hesson said the seasoned campaigner would continue to play a limited role. “Faf is making very good progress. The risk of fielding and diving around and re-injuring is still there. So, we won't put him at risk if that's the case," he added.JOSH MAKING PROGRESSRCB’s mainstay pacer Josh Hazlewood, who has been out due to an Achilles injury arrived in India last week and has since continued with his rehabilitation. Asked on the Australian’s availability, Hesson stated, “He is very close to being match fit. He has very made good progress. We should tick some things off from a Cricket Australia perspective to get an NoC. He is bowling nicely and is confident, but not confident enough to field him yet.”