Royal Challengers Bangalore are the primary underachievers of the Indian Premier League. The much famed and possibly the most destructive batting trio of Chris Gayle, Virat Kohli, and AB De Villiers, failed to win the title even once. Historically, it’s their bowling that has let them down in clutch situations after being given a platform by the batsmen. Today, we will attempt to analyze their squad and derive their optimal combination.
Top order:
RCB will bank on Parthiv Patel and Virat Kohli to get them off to good starts and make full use of the powerplay. Kohli’s performance as an opener for RCB has been tremendous, and he will be well supported by Parthiv's experience. An alternative for the opening spot is Moeen Ali, whose flamboyant batting is very easy on the eyes, and he can also provide with a couple of overs with the ball. Another exciting prospect for RCB is the swashbuckling Windies batsman, Shimron Hetmyer. The talented 21-year-old has already made a mark in the international stage with his attacking play. He will be a vital asset to the team at number 3.
Middle order:
The mantle to anchor the middle order will be taken by Mr. 360 AB De Villiers. De Villiers is one of the finest batsmen of this generation his contribution will be pivotal in helping RCB clinch their first IPL title. He will be supported by Indian sensation Shivam Dube and Australian all-rounder Marcus Stoinis. Dube made news right before the auction for hitting 5 sixes in a row in the Vijay Hazare Trophy and his ability to take make breakthroughs with the ball make him an invaluable asset to the team. Stoinis took the Big Bash League by storm, scoring 533 runs at an average of 53.30 and also chipping in with crucial wickets. He has showcased the ability to finish off games, and also open the batting if need be. Gurkeerat Singh Mann will find it hard to break into the side, but he’s likely to feature in the eleven at some point in the tournament. Kiwi all-rounder Colin De Grandhomme will fight with Stoinis for the number six position.
Lower order:
All eyes will be on the 16-year-old leggie Prayas Ray Barman, who RCB bought for 1.5 crores. He will have stiff competition from a much more experienced bowling all-rounder, Washington Sundar who in his short career has impressed with his all-around abilities. Pawan Negi will find it hard to break into the side unless one of the spinners gets injured or loses form. One of Nathan Coulter Nile and Tim Southee will spearhead the pace attack, with Yuzvendra Chahal as the spinner. Coulter Nile's attacking ability with the bat might just give him an edge over Southee.
Bowlers:
Yuzvendra Chahal will be the wrecker in chief for RCB this season. The leg spinner from Haryana and has grown leaps and bounds in the last couple of years and is a mainstay of India's ODI outfit. He will be supported by star Indian pacer Umesh Yadav, who was the highest wicket-taker for RCB last season and made early breakthroughs in the powerplay, and Mohammad Siraj, who will be eager to make a mark after an impressive showing in the last domestic season.
Playing XI :
Virat Kohli
Parthiv Patel
Shimron Hetmyer/Moeen Ali(overseas)
AB De Villiers(overseas)
Shivam Dube
Marcus Stoinis/Colin De Grandhomme
Washington Sundar
Nathan Coulter Nile/Tim Southee (overseas)
Umesh Yadav
Mohammad Siraj
Yuzvendra Chahal
Royal Challengers Bangalore will play their first game against defending champions Chennai Super Kings in the tournament opener in Chepauk Stadium, Chennai.
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