IPL 2021: Predicting Royal Challengers Bangalore’s strongest playing XI
Follow Us
Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) have been perennial underachievers in the Indian Premier League (IPL) despite the fact that they have always boasted of world-class talent. Last time around, they had an excellent start to their season but lost form towards the end of the league and ultimately had to be content with a 4th placed finish as they lost the Eliminator match against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH).
This time around, at the auction, RCB were the most active. Beforehand, they released a huge chunk of their squad and chose to rebuild despite the fact that the mega-auction is just one more year away. They went for some big money buys and their squad now looks stacked and could challenge for a spot in the playoff or even the title if the concerned players come into their own.
We predict the playing XI RCB could go with in the upcoming edition.
Openers: Mohammed Azharuddeen and Devdutt Padikkal
RCB released their opener from last year Aaron Finch and did not buy a replacement. They have a replacement in Australian Josh Philippe but with only 4 overseas players allowed to be picked, Philippe might not get to play all games. Devdutt Padikkal was a revelation last year and he will in all probability be the first choice opener. The other opener could be Kerala batsman Mohammed Azharuddeen who lit up the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy recently with a 37-ball hundred.
Middle-Order: Virat Kohli, AB de Villiers, Glenn Maxwell
This is perhaps the best middle-order among all teams in the IPL this year. Comprising of three of the best batsmen in world cricket at present in Virat Kohli, AB de Villiers and Glenn Maxwell, RCB’s middle-order is bound to strike fear in the hearts of the bowlers. Whether or not Maxwell regains his touch in the IPL will however, play a crucial role in deciding how the side’s season pans out.
All-Rounders: Dan Christian, Washington Sundar, Kyle Jamieson
Washington Sundar is a definite starter for RCB thanks to his tight bowling at the Powerplay coupled with his pinch hitting abilities. The other two all-rounder slots could go to one of three options that RCB have in Daniel Sams, Dan Christian and Kyle Jamieson. The latter’s huge pay suggests he would start which means RCB might rotate between Aussie all-rounders Sams and Christian. If RCB do trust Maxwell to be the sixth bowler, they can opt for Josh Philippe to play instead of one of the all-rounders.
Bowlers: Navdeep Saini, Mohammed Siraj, Yuzvendra Chahal
RCB are likely to go with an all-Indian bowling attack. Yuzvendra Chahal will be a vital cog in their wheel and he will be the one tasked with picking up crucial wickets. Mohammed Siraj will be relied upon to come up with breakthroughs in the Powerplay. For the other pace bowling option, RCB will have to choose between Harshal Patel and Navdeep Saini but the latter’s experience could see him be the starter.
Also Read: IPL: 4 players who went unsold in the auction but teams hired them later
Stay Updated!
Nevin Clinton
(2399 Articles Published)