Royal Challengers Bangalore head coach Simon Katich feels empty stadiums could pose a challenge for the senior cricketers as they gear up for the IPL.

The first half of the tournament, due to begin on September 19, will be held behind closed doors.

“Personally, I think some of the younger players actually enjoy the fact that there will be a little less pressure with less people at the ground, creating all that noise and distraction,” Katich said during RCB’s YouTube show Bold Diaries.

“I think it will be more of a challenge for some of the older guys who are used to the buzz of the crowd and getting their adrenaline going. But I think there will still be a lot of motivation to go out and perform well,” he added.

Experienced mental conditioning coach Paddy Upton had earlier said that cricketers like Virat Kohli who depend on external stimulation and are used to pressure are “really going to struggle” in front of empty stadiums but self-motivated players will “do a hell lot better” in this year’s IPL.

The Kohli-led franchise completed their mandatory quarantine upon their arrival in Dubai and had started their training last week.

Katich, 45, said younger players could make an impact this year. “There is a lot at stake in terms of the opportunity that it presents and the players want to make the most of that. They know this is a big tournament,” he said.