Starting with a Fun Fact: The record of highest (263 against Pune Warriors India) as well as lowest score (49 against Kolkata Knight Riders) in the history of IPL belongs to RCB.
The excitement of fans is breaking the roof as the cricket carnival is set to commence from 19th September 2020. Virat Kohli led Bangalore are scheduled to start their campaign against Sunrisers Hyderabad on 21st September. Their performances in the past have been quite underwhelming and had earned them the ‘chokers’ tag. This year could be their best chance to add an IPL trophy to their cabinet and award their loyal fans. We went an extra mile and posted 3 reasons why RCB can win this time.
Here is our analysis of Royal Challengers Bangalore:
New Additions
The problem for RCB usually starts right from the auction table, but this year was different. They boosted their squad by adding precious players. They had a purse of 27.90 crores out of which they spent 21.50 crores. Here is the list of players you would see donning the red jersey this year.
- Chris Morris – Rs 10 crore
- Aaron Finch – Rs 4.4 crore
- Josh Philippe – 20 lakh
- Adam Zampa– Rs 1.5 crore
- Dale Steyn – Rs 2 crore
- Pavan Deshpande – Rs 20 lakh
- Isuru Udana – Rs 50 lakh
- Shahbaz Ahmed – Rs 20 lakh
Batting – Jaw dropping
RCB’s batting had always been their most significant asset. They have the likes of Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers who are the fulcrum of their batting unit. The new addition of Aussie skipper, Aaron Finch, will make their squad even more imperious. The young Indian domestic talents, Devdutt Padikkal, Gurkeerat Singh Mann and Shivam Dubey, would want to leave an impact before the tournament ends. Here is our RCB Opening choices.
It would be tough to keep both Chris Morris and Moeen Ali in the playing XI. Both of them are outstanding players but haven’t yet fired in the ‘cash-rich league’. This could be their breakthrough season. Josh Philippe, who rose to fame due to his performance in the BBL last year was also included in the squad.
Pace Bowling – Reliable
RCB has never been a home of quality, fast bowlers, but this year, they have done a reasonably good job. They have a gun death bowler, Dale Steyn who still can make any batsmen his bunny. Chris Morris had earned a good reputation as a T20 death over specialist in past few years and RCB would want him to do precisely that. Isuru Udana would be making his debut this year, and his presence will boost their pace bowling department.
Navdeep Saina would be high on confidence after the kind of start he had to his International career. He would be playing a pivotal role in RCB. Umesh Yadav with the new ball, and Mohammed Siraj with the old ball would be very critical to their franchise’s success.
The only worrying point for RCB will be Dale Steyn’s fitness. The right-arm pacer is the mainstay of their pace bowling unit, and if an injury strikes him, it could be very lethal for men in red. Check our detailing on IPL teams death bowling attack this season.
Spin Bowling – Well-Balanced
RCB do not have a plethora of spinners, but still, they make a reasonably good spin bowling attack. The Australian prodigy, Adam Zampa is also a new addition to the squad. The right-arm leg spinner is in brilliant form and could be the spearhead of RCB’s bowling attack.
Yuzvendra Chahal had been the strike bowler for RCB since last few years. The right arm leggie would want to repeat the same magic. Moeen Ali can also roll his arm and can be very destructive in the wickets of UAE. Washington Sundar and Pawan Negi are the domestic options available to Virat Kohli. Both the spinners can be very useful in the slow and sluggish UAE wickets.
Our Take
Cricket Pundits have not given RCB any chance of lifting the Cup this year due to their disappointing show in the tournament. They will be under the pump again. They have the firepower in their batting as always. Their Achilles Heel has always been the inability to soak pressure. But the addition of overseas pros such as Dale Steyn, Chris Morris and Aaron finch can make a difference.
The men in red had a prolific campaign in 2016 when Virat Kohli was at the peak of his powers. He was the leading run-scorer that year but was not able to win the Cup. This season, he would want to replicate his 2016 form again along with bringing the prestigious title home.
If they have learnt from the mistakes they committed in past seasons, then it could finally be “Ee Sala Cup Namde” ( This season, Cup is ours).
Full Squad
Virat Kohli (c), Aaron Finch, Adam Zampa, Isuru Udana, Dale Steyn, Josh Philippe, AB de Villiers, Moeen Ali, Chris Morris, Umesh Yadav, Devdutt Padikkal, Gurkeerat Singh Mann, Washington Sundar, Yuzvendra Chahal, Pavan Deshpande, Navdeep Saini, Shahbaz Ahmed, Mohammed Siraj, Shivam Dube, Pawan Negi, Parthiv Patel
Support Staff
Mike Hesson (Director of Cricket Operations)
Simon Katich (Head Coach)
Adam Griffith (Bowling Coach)
Sridharan Sriram (Batting and Spin Bowling Coach)
Major Soumyadeep Pyne (Team Manager)
Malolan Rangarajan (Head of Scouting)
Navnita Gautam (Sports Massage Therapist)
Shanker Basu (Strength and Conditioning Coach)
Evan Speechly (Physiotherapist)
