2019 IPL auction: Players whom RCB should buy in December
Indian Premier League side Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) need to have a clear-cut strategy before the 2019 auction. They released some big names in the IPL trade window, and despite having a decent squad, they have to sort out their opening woes and improve the bench strength. These are the two things they will need to address when the auction is held next month.
How is RCB's batting line-up looking?
RCB have the two biggest superstars in the form of skipper Virat Kohli and former South African hero AB de Villiers. In 2018, the side was over dependent on these two, which halted their progress. RCB desperately need someone to steer them in the middle, besides AB. They have a good pool of all-rounders, but everyone cannot play in the XI.
Should RCB go for Jason Roy atop?
RCB let go off Brendon McCullum and need to replace him with an aggressive player. Jason Roy could be a perfect replacement. Last season, Delhi Daredevils experimented a lot with their opening options and Roy didn't get enough game time. He played 5 games for the side with a best score of 91*. Roy has been England's go to player in T20Is.
RCB have decent all-rounders
RCB have able options in their all-round department. One would expect them to be rotated well. They got in Marcus Stoinis and released Chris Woakes. Apart from Stoinis, they have the services of all-rounders Moeen Ali and Colin de Grandhomme available this term. With Ali and Stoinis to be absent from May 1, Grandhomme needs to fire for the side.
Akshdeep Nath could be a valuable option for RCB
RCB need some decent middle-order players. They need someone with a calm head to lay the foundation in case the star batsmen fail in a match. Singh and Sarfraz failed last season and were released by RCB. Uttar Pradesh's in-form batsman Akshdeep Nath can be looked upon by them in the auction. He could add required depth.
RCB's bowling option is pretty strong
RCB have the bases covered in pace attack as they have some genuine options. We expect Tim Southee and Umesh Yadav to lead the line. RCB's spin options also look sorted. Therefore, not much movement can be seen here. One would hope RCB play smart and sort their batting. If they spend enough, then the side could go the distance in 2019.
Other key options and salary cap available
RCB will have several options in the auction. Some of they key names, they could target besides Roy and Nath are, Mohammad Shahzad, Shimron Hetmyer and Aaron Finch. One should remember that RCB have Rs. 18.15 crore in salary cap. They can only get a couple of foreigners. Acquiring 2-3 big players, rather than a long tail, would do them good.
