IPL 2018: Probable playing XI for Royal Challengers Bangalore
What's the story
The 2017 edition of the Indian Premier League was nothing short of a disaster for Royal Challengers Bangalore.
This season they would look to make amends and have acquired a quality squad while retaining the core players Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers.
But with the plethora of talent in their ranks, how will they line up for this year's edition?
Here's our prediction.
Openers
Brendon McCullum and Parthiv Patel
Having a batsman like McCullum open the innings is exactly what Bangalore need.
There are no doubts about how explosive Baz can be.
Despite have Quinton de Kock in their squad, Parthiv Patel is likely to open the innings alongside McCullum.
South African Quinton de Kock is struggling with form and RCB might not take the risk of playing the wicket-keeper batsman.
Middle order
Kohli, ABD, Mandeep and Sarfaraz
If the openers give RCB a good start, then their middle order is capable of taking the game away from the opposition.
The likes of Kohli and AB de Villiers can score quick runs at will and are almost unstoppable when on song.
Young guns Mandeep Singh and Sarfaraz Khan have proved their quality in the past editions of the tournament.
All-rounders
Washington Sundar and Chris Woakes
RCB are likely to field two all-rounders.
Washington Sundar will definitely be one of them after his recent heroics in the 2018 Nidahas Trophy.
England Chris Woakes should get the nod ahead of the likes of Colin de Grandhomme, Moeen Ali and Corey Anderson.
Woakes was one of the best performers in the recently concluded limited overs series.
Bowlers
Tim Southee, Yuzvendra Chahal and Umesh Yadav
Kiwi speedster Tim Southee is one of the best new ball bowlers you can find in international cricket. He is in the form of his life.
The experienced Umesh Yadav is likely to partner Southee..
But Virat Kohli's most potent weapon would be Yuzvendra Chahal.
He ended 2017 as the top wicket-taker in T20Is and then wrecked havoc in the South Africa ODI series.