IPL 2019: How have RCB fared over last three seasons?
Royal Challengers Bangalore will look to make it count in the upcoming season of the Indian Premier League (IPL). RCB have never won the title and fans would expect 2019 is their year. Earlier, we analyzed RCB's 2019 squad, how they might perform in the upcoming season and their strengths and weaknesses. Here, we analyze their performances in the last three terms.
2018 saw RCB losing momentum in crucial moments
IPL 2018 saw RCB almost qualifying for the play-offs, but they missed out in the end to finish sixth. RCB peaked at the business end of the group stage and created a chance, but were knocked out. It was one of those campaigns, once again, where RCB's middle-order failed miserably. The death bowling was weak. Further, they were also let down by poor fielding.
Hits and misses of RCB in IPL 2018
Virat Kohli performed consistently and amassed 530 runs. Umesh Yadav bowled well and picked 20 scalps. RCB needed to win their final match against RR, but they choked. Kohli was short of ideas on several occasions as he failed to find a balance in XI.
RCB were thoroughly disappointing in 2017
In the 10th edition of the IPL, RCB finished last in the league table. Their problem in 2017 was lack of match-winners in their team. The side only managed to win three games out of 14. Notably, Kohli only played 10 games in 2017. Compared to previous seasons, it was RCB's worst batting show. Lack of runs and pacers bowling woefully derailed RCB's campaign.
Hits and misses of RCB in IPL 2017
There was no silver lining for RCB in IPL 2017. Pawan Negi showed some character with 16 wickets and 144 runs. RCB saw their major stars flop collectively. They were bowled out for 49 that season against KKR, which is the lowest-ever total in IPL.
2016 should have been RCB's year
IPL 2016 saw RCB fire in all cylinders where they set several unbreakable records. The batting of Kohli and AB de Villiers was at a different level altogether. The batting overpowered their mediocre bowling unit. RCB won their last four group games to finish second in the table. They lost to SRH in the finale after suffering a collapse.
Hits and misses of RCB in IPL 2016
Kohli scored a record-breaking 973 runs that included four tons and seven fifties. AB chipped in with 687 runs. Yuzvendra Chahal (21) and Shane Watson (20) picked up wickets consistently. RCB lost the plot in the final which they should have won. They were cruising at 140/1, before losing six wickets for 60. They fell short by eight runs in pursuit of 209.
