Royal Challengers Bangalore have always been the most entertaining franchise in Indian Premier League history. They had the stars and got some crazy batsman combinations in IPL, but they still didn’t crack the code to win an IPL trophy.
This year the side looks a little bit better furnished, although there are few weaknesses. But the elegance of Virat Kohli and the 360-degree power hitting of AB de Villiers will always keep RCB in the title hunt. Here we look at their possible XI this season.
Quinton de Kock
The young South African had been a sensation when he played for Delhi Daredevils in 2016, and he will look to live up to the plate once again this season at Bangalore.
Brendon McCullum
The veteran Kiwi power hitter is still one of the most feared names in world cricket. Despite being in retirement for the last three years, McCullum was active across all global leagues to put himself in a position to lure huge bids in IPL.
Virat Kohli (c)
Virat Kohli has developed as a proper T20 batsman at Royal Challengers Bangalore. The skipper had joined the side as a rookie back in 2008 and slowly became the face of the team now.
AB de Villiers
The South African magician had always fascinated the fans with his jaw-dropping hitting and unconventional shots all over the park. He will once again be the most important player for Royal Challengers Bangalore in their push for maiden IPL title.
Mandeep Singh
The Punjabi batsman has been a good team player and was often used as a floater in the RCB batting lineup. He had always managed to deliver to the expectations of the fans and will once again be the floater in their batting.
Sarfaraz Khan
The youngster was not successful last year, but RCB management sent a strong signal out to the player that they believe in them, by retaining him. He will need to find his groove in the slog overs once again to make his mark.
Chris Woakes
Woakes has been a menace for the batsmen in recent times, and his acquisition would do a world of good for Royal Challengers. He would provide outstanding balance to the side with his power hitting skills.
Washington Sundar
With Sundar, Royal Challengers have already addressed their power play over woes. The youngster who recently won the man of the tournament in the tri-series can also play a good hand with the bat.
Yuzvendra Chahal
The skinny leggie over the years has grown into an excellent, quality spinner for Royal Challengers. Virat Kohli’s continuous backing has helped Chahal, and he will once again look to repeat his top performances this season.
Umesh Yadav
The veteran fast bowler will have a point to prove for himself as well as the onlookers. He recently got dropped to a bench role in test team which will be a cause of concern for Umesh. If he manages to deliver top performances under the watchful eyes of Virat, he might soon be back in the reckoning.
Mohammed Siraj
A young pace bowler with raw pace, Mohammed Siraj severely lacks discipline in his bowling. His inability to stop the flow of runs in the final overs is another cause of concern. But with Ashish Nehra in a mentor role, we might see some improvements in the young pacer’s bowling.