Squad analysis IPL 2018: Royal Challengers Bangalore
Royal Challengers Bangalore have assembled a strong unit, which banks a lot on foreign stars. One of the most glamorous franchises in the IPL, the Virat Kohli-led RCB have never won the tournament. In the upcoming IPL 11, the focus of the team will be to change this ugly record. In this article, we analyse the squad of Royal Challengers Bangalore.
Team banking on foreign recruits
RCB have gone heavy in their pursuit of having foreign stars in their kitty. Seven international players were bought, besides retaining AB de Villiers. They have struck a fine balance by bringing in three all-round specialists Chris Woakes, Colin de Grandhomme and Moeen Ali.
Analysis the strengths of RCB's batting unit
Bangalore will ride high on their skipper Virat Kohli. The franchise sacrificed Chris Gayle for another veteran T20 specialist Brendon McCullum. Manan Vohra is expected to open the innings alongside McCullum and there is the option of Parthiv Patel opening as well. With Kohli in at number 3 and ABD to follow him, their middle-order looks solid. 20-year-old Sarfaraz Khan is a bright prospect.
Kohli's gluttony for runs is RCB's strength
The unit could not have asked for a better man to lead their batting than Kohli. He has 4,418 runs in 149 matches with a top score of 113. The onus is on the skipper to score a truck load of runs.
Analysis of all-rounders of RCB
England international Chris Woakes boasts of being the side's leading all-rounder. In Moeen Ali, the team has another option of a spinner and a middle-order batsman. Although how many games Ali gets is a matter to chew upon. Colin de Grandhomme is a fine buy for Rs. 2.2 cr. Moreover, he has been in good touch in limited over format.
Woakes will be RCB's go-to-man
The England star is a major attraction because of his brilliance as a finisher. His special attributes in bowling makes him a complete package. He is also an excellent fielder and is a regular in the English national team across all formats.
Analysis of bowlers in RCB ranks
RCB have a powerful bowling unit to back their batting. In the pace department, Nathan Coulter-Nile is a seasoned campaigner and Tim Southee's presence is vital. Pace is RCB's strength with Indian duo Umesh Yadav and Mohammed Siraj completing the attack. Yuzvendra Chahal will be RCB's wrecker-in-chief. Washington Sundar and Pawan Negi will support him.
Chahal can be a match-winner for RCB
Wrist spinner Chahal is the vital cog in the RCB set-up and his form for India has been commanding. In the ODI series against South Africa, he was epic and tormented the hosts with his variations. He also knows the home conditions well.
What's our take on RCB?
RCB are likely to make it to the play-offs at the least especially with a star-studded unit at their disposal. This season could be RCB's year if they find the right playing XI for the matches. Kohli could set new records individually.
