Squad analysis of RCB post IPL 2019 Auction
Royal Challengers Bangalore got some decent deals coming their way in the recently concluded Indian Premier League (IPL) 2019 Auction held in Jaipur. The headline buys were West Indian sensation Shimron Hetmyer and Indian all-rounder Shivam Dube. Prior to that, the Virat Kohli-led side retained their core players besides trading in Marcus Stoinis. Here is how they look post the auction.
Players bought in the auction
A look at players bought in the auction. Shimron Hetmyer - Rs. 4.20 crore, Gurkeerat Singh - Rs. 50 lakh, Devdutt Padikal - Rs. 20 lakh, Shivam Dube - Rs. 5 crore, Heinrich Klaasen - Rs. 50 lakh, Himmat Singh - Rs. 65 lakh, Milind Kumar - Rs. 20 lakh, Prayas Barman - Rs. 1.50 crore, Akshdeep Nath - Rs. 3.60 crore.
Strengths of RCB going into IPL 2019
RCB have strengthened well in all-round department. They will count on several Indian faces to come good. The bowling looks sorted and there is a quality stock. The middle order gets more protection and they have addressed this position well after lacking the same last season. Some strong utility players like Hetmyer and Dube could bring the solidity needed.
Weaknesses of RCB going into IPL 2019
RCB have fewer issues as compared to previous seasons. But the opening options though are a worry. They lack the base there. They traded out Quinton de Kock and released Brendon McCullum. But the side hasn't replaced them. So Kohli will need to open with Parthiv Patel. But where are the back-ups? What if the pair doesn't click? Are there enough make-shift options?
Opportunities galore for RCB players
The side will revolve around Kohli and AB de Villiers like usual. It's a big opportunity for the newcomers to show their potential on a consistent basis. Also they have utility foreign all-rounders like Moeen Ali, Stoinis and Colin de Grandhomme. One of the trio is set to feature. Post Ali and Stoinis' departure for World Cup preparations, an opportunity for Colin will open.
What to expect from RCB?
RCB's middle order will be the main aspect of their side. The likes of Akshdeep Nath and Milind Kumar could be rotated. They wanted a finisher badly and now the acquisition of Dube could power them. Hetmyer could come in at number 4 and keep the scorecard ticking in middle overs. The flux of all-rounders means that they won't be short of bowling options.
Bowling looks well settled
The bowling looks well settled with some star names. The pace quartet has that necessary threat. The experience in pace department could propel RCB. The spin show could come strong. Yuzvendra Chahal leads the show. Pawan Negi and Washington Sundar need to support him well.
