Balance problems in the team, injuries and excessive dependence on the skipper. virat Kohli and Villiers AB spoiled RCBchances of winning the title last season. Off to a brilliant start, they ran out of steam towards the end of the tournament, losing five in a row to retire in the Eliminator.
Having released 10 players prior to the auction, the team’s leadership focused on strengthening the hitting and rhythm bowling units.
Here’s a SWOT analysis of the side that will face the defending champs. Mumbai Indians at the opening of the tournament on April 9:
STRENGTHS:
RCB has put together a solid batting line on paper. Running back Kohli, who enjoys an impressive record as a starter in the league, has already confirmed that he will open the innings.
Kohli will team up with the talented Devdutt Padikkal, who impressed everyone last season and is in top form.
Young wicketkeeper-hitter Mohammad Azharuddeen, who had a staggering 194.54 hitting rate at the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, and New Zealander Finn Allen are other attacking options at the top. De Villiers and Maxwell add firepower to the middle order while Baby sachin, Daniel Christian experienced and Washington Sundar add to depth.
RCB has a powerful battery of effects and they are happy that they will play a large part of their matches on the slow slopes of Chennai and Ahmedabad.
Leg thrower Yuzvendra Chahal has enjoyed a lot of success in the league and will be eager to weave magic with the ball. He will be joined by the immensely precise Washington, who was Kohli’s man in the powerplays last season.
The two will be assisted by Maxwell, who consistently bowls for Australia in white ball cricket and in the Big Bash League, while Australian Adam Zampa is another available option for turning legs.
WEAKNESSES:
RCB’s rhythm department doesn’t inspire confidence. Navdeep saini and Mohammed Siraj lack cue bowling experience and have a propensity for leaky runs.
Jamieson has struggled in T20I and has no experience playing in India. Other options include mid-beat Harshal Patel and the Australian trio of Christian, Daniel Sams and Kane Richardson.
CHANCE:
The presence of several great hitters on the team could go to RCB’s favor as he chases great totals.
It’s also the perfect opportunity for Maxwell to set the tournament on fire. A proven winner from Australia, the off-roader has been a disappointment in the IPL.
RCB has two attacking hitters in Azharuddeen and Sachin, who would be eager to take their chances.
THREATS:
Maxwell is a vital cog in RCB’s grand scheme of things this season. If he is thrown with the bat, it could have disastrous consequences for the team.
The over-reliance on Kohli and Villiers continued last year despite big signings. The team’s Indian hitters must step up to avoid going the familiar route.
Team: Virat Kohli (c), AB de Villiers, Devdutt Padikkal, Yuzvendra Chahal, Mohammed Siraj, Kane Richardson, Washington Sundar, Pavan Deshpande, Finn Allen, Shahbaz Ahamad, Navdeep Saini, Adam Zampa, Kyle Jamieson, Glenn Maxwell, Rajat Patidar, Sachin Baby, Mohammed Azharuddeen, Daniel Christian, KS Bharat, Suyash Prabhudessai, Daniel Sams, Harshal Patel
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