IPL 2024 Previews | Top to bottom 22-yard analysis of Royal Challengers Bengaluru
Having always boasted of a star-studded squad, RCB is just one of four active teams to have never won the tournament despite playing in three finals. With a great team blended with a few significant changes, the Faf du Plessis-led side is all set to face CSK in the season opener on March 22nd.
Short length – The factors that could bump out the franchise
Poor spin department:
RCB faces a significant challenge in defining and making an impact with its spin department. Karn Sharma assumes the primary spin responsibility with Maxwell acting as the lonely office in the side. However, the effectiveness of this duo remains questionable. Mayank Dagar, acquired from SRH through a trade, has failed to make a significant contribution, managing only one wicket in three IPL appearances. Trading Shahbaz Ahmed for Dagar seemed quite confusing when you take into account that the latter has just one IPL wicket to his name. The squad's composition tilts heavily towards pace bowling which is also not up to the mark, resulting in an imbalance To enhance their bowling arsenal, RCB needs to perform with the deficiencies in their spin options, potentially through nurturing talent from within the team.
Good length – The well of assets that the team can bank on
Solid top order with the highest average in batting powerplay last season:
RCB has a great batting lineup comprising seasoned campaigners like Faf du Plessis, Virat Kohli, Rajat Patidar, and Glenn Maxwell. The recent addition of Cameron Green offers a perfect blend of solidity and power. Du Plessis, exhibiting his trademark elegance, emerged as the second-highest run-scorer in IPL 2023 with an impressive tally of 730 runs, while Kohli, the leading run-scorer in IPL history, contributed significantly as well with 639 runs last season. The partnership of Kohli and du Plessis promises stability and aggression at the top of the order, bolstering RCB's batting arsenal. The team's average score in the powerplay of 55.5 in the previous season underscores the effectiveness of the opening pair in providing a strong foundation. With such a potent opening combination, RCB remains well-equipped to capitalize on the crucial early overs and set the stage for formidable totals.Full length – Hit or Miss aspects of the team
Virat Kohli:
Kohli's hiatus from competitive cricket, notably during the recent Test series against England, left fans eagerly anticipating his comeback. With the IPL 2024 serving as his return platform, all eyes will be on the batting maestro as he prepares to showcase his abilities once again. His presence not only strengthens RCB's lineup but also injects excitement into the tournament itself. A key topic of discussion surrounding Kohli's return is his batting position. Will he maintain his role as an opener, as he did in IPL 2023, where he impressed with 639 runs in 14 matches? Or might he transition to No. 3, potentially aligning with his position in the Indian batting lineup for the upcoming T20 World Cup? This strategic decision by the RCB management will undoubtedly shape the team's dynamics and Kohli's impact in the tournament.
Inclusion of Alzarri Joseph and Lockie Ferguson:
The inclusion of both the pacers can go either way for the Bengaluru based side. RCB’s performance in 2023 during the bowling powerplay was great as they scalped 33 wickets and would look to continue doing that. But the question arises around the wicket-taking capabilities of the Joseph-Ferguson duo with the Windies star claiming just seven wickets in as many games. In contrast, Ferguson got just one wicket in the three matches he played last season for KKR.
Yorker – The lethal X-factors
Cameron Green and Maxwell camaraderie:
Cameron Green's noteworthy performance for Mumbai Indians last season highlighted his versatility as a cricketer, excelling with both bat and ball. Amassing over 450 runs, including a century, he demonstrated his batting prowess, showcasing the ability to provide stability and firepower to any lineup. His addition augments Royal Challengers Bangalore's (RCB) batting depth significantly. Additionally, Glenn Maxwell's aggressive batting style adds another dimension to RCB's lineup, injecting momentum and aggression into their innings. As a dynamic duo, Green and Maxwell possess the capability to elevate RCB's batting unit to new heights, ensuring a formidable challenge for opposing teams in the upcoming season of the IPL.
Beamer – Where the team could completely lose the plot
No dominant leg spinner & death bowler:
RCB face a challenge in the upcoming season due to the absence of a dominant legspinner. Their options include uncapped players like Himanshu Sharma or Karn Sharma, both of whom have limited exposure to the franchise in recent seasons. Despite releasing Wanindu Hasaranga last year and Yuzvendra Chahal three years ago, RCB still seeks a seasoned leg spinner to address this crucial gap in their lineup.
Over the years, RCB has grappled with their death bowling, often facing its brunt. Recording an economy of 11.08 in the death overs last season, RCB aims to bolster this aspect to preserve the early momentum gained with the new ball. In the absence of Harshal Patel, they face the challenge of identifying a reliable death bowler. Additionally, with the arrival of Alzarri Joseph, Reece Topley and Lockie Ferguson, the management confronts a dilemma in deciding which foreign bowler to bowl and who to leave on the bench.