The Royal Challengers Bangalore had a good mega auction as they got an opportunity to steal some good players at a cheap rate. Though they released their key players like Devdutt Padikkal and Yuzvendra Chahal, they have added Josh Hazlewood, Faf du Plessis to their squad.
The management has decided to retain Virat Kohli, Glenn Maxwell and their key pacer Mohammed Siraj. As the franchise would look to clinch their first IPL title, we will take a look at their strongest XI.
Openers – Faf du Plessis and Virat Kohli
Faf du Plessis, who is a new recruiter, will be having an important role for RCB this year. His biggest strength is to score runs under pressure and the knockout games. So, the franchise will be having a lot of expectations from du Plessis.
Virat Kohli is arguably the best batter in the history of the cash-rich T20 league. He will be a first-choice partner for Faf as he likes to maximize the powerplay overs. We can expect him to score more as he has no more captaincy pressure.
Middle-order – Shahbaz Ahmed, Glenn Maxwell and Dinesh Karthik
Shahbaz Ahmed is one of the underrated all-rounders in the domestic arena. He could pick up wickets with the ball and tonk the ball out of the park with the bat. He will be looking to make most of his opportunities in the upcoming season.
Glenn Maxwell was RCB’s star player last season as he was the highest run-scorer for his franchise. He was also retained by RCB for a whopping price of INR 11 crore. He will be having an extra role since AB de Villiers has retired from an IPL as well.
Dinesh Karthik is once again back to his former team. He is one of the experienced players in the league as he has played for multiple franchises. He will be taking the role of finishing responsibility and also don the gloves behind the stumps.
Allrounders – Wandindu Hasaranga, Mahipal Lomror and Harshal Patel
Wanindu Hasaranga has been a good all-rounder, who could pick up wickets in a bundle and has a good batting ability as well. He was bought for a huge amount of INR 10.75 crore and he will be looking to help his team to clinch their first-ever trophy.
Mahipal Lomror, who was bought at INR 95 lakh, had represented Rajasthan Royals for four seasons. He can contribute with both the bat and the ball if he gets ample opportunities in the upcoming season.
Harshal Patel was a pick of the bowler in the last IPL season. He had grabbed 32 wickets and stole the purple cap as well. Though he has good batting skills, he will be a primary bowler for his franchise.
Bowlers – Karn Sharma, Josh Hazlewood and Mohammed Siraj
Karn Sharma had represented Mumbai Indians, Sunrisers Hyderabad, Chennai Super Kings before. The leggie had also featured for RCB in the second edition of IPL. He can play a vital role to fill the void left by Yuzvendra Chahal.
Josh Hazlewood was bought for a massive amount of INR 7.75 crore. He has an ability to pick the wickets with the new ball and proved the same when he played for CSK and his national team. The franchise can expect a stellar performance from the Australian bowler.
Mohammed Siraj was retained by the franchise for the upcoming seasons. He has been the most improved bowler in recent times. The right-arm pace has given his best so far since he joined the franchise.