Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) had the unremarkable show in the IPL 2019 despite having star-studded players in the line-up. Owing to the forgettable season, RCB has managed five wins in 14 matches.
Following a wobbling start when they went on to lose six matches on the trot, saw Dale Steyn’s inclusion auguring well for the team. The only highlight of the season was RCB winning three matches on the trot.
Currently, they’re placed seventh on the IPL points table. So much so, they could end on as wooden spooners if Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) will end on winning their final group game against reigning champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK).
Overall, the bleak show from most of the players has further dashed the hopes of the Bengaluru-base franchise.
Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers did their best, but the failure, in general, has made things impossible for the team. Above all, luck has betrayed them when a crucial game against Rajasthan Royals (RR) was marred by the inclement weather.
Here’s the list of five players who could possibly face axe for the next edition:
Pawan Negi:
The left-arm spinner Pawan Negi hasn’t delivered according to the expectations. The slow-bowler has faced a torrid time in the recent past.
Negi has featured in seven matches to collect three wickets with his average reading as 34. Overall, while conceding runs at an economy of 9.13, Negi managed to pick two wickets in a single game. And for the rest of the fixtures, he had faced the music.
The Delhi-based 26-year-old spinner has given away 102 runs in his 10.1 overs.
Besides, considering his previous seasons, he is likely going to be released from the squad.
Colin de Grandhomme:
New Zealand all-rounder Colin de Grandhomme has been mundane during his four innings with the bat. However, given the options in the bowling department, Grandhomme didn’t get a chance to roll over his arm.
Failing to hit the straps, Grandhomme, who has the knack of hitting the ball long way, averaged just 15.33 while accumulating just 46 runs to his name.
Therefore, there are high chances of RCB releasing the Kiwis all-rounder.
Akshdeep Nath:
Akshdeep Nath, who leads Uttar Pradesh, managed to amass just 61 runs at an average of 12.20 in five matches. The right-handed batsman couldn’t make most of his opportunities. The ordinary show has further made things quite tougher for the youngster.
Also, his strike-rate of 107.02 was another factor to look at. He has also struggled in delivering during the crunch moments of the game.
Thus, he is highly-likely going to be released for the 12th edition of the IPL.
Shivam Dubey:
The young all-rounder from Mumbai Shivam Dubey has faced the heat in his maiden IPL edition. Despite getting a fewest of the chances, Dubey hasn’t been able to leave an impact.
Known for tonking the ball, Dubey has proved his credentials with the ball too in the domestic fold. But, he has looked opposite to it in the 12th edition of the IPL.
With his best of 24, Dubey has managed to score 40 in four matches. However, he has failed to deliver overall in the limited number of opportunities.
On the other side, he managed to deliver 10 balls to concede eight runs.
It could be expected that RCB will look at different prospects for the next season of the domestic professional T20 league.
Mohammed Siraj:
The fast bowler from Hyderabad Mohammed Siraj has leaked runs which further made things tough for the RCB. While struggling in troubling the batsmen, Siraj has conceded 269 runs off 169 deliveries.
Furthermore, his poor bowling average proved to be no-show which read as 38.43 in the Twenty20 cricket. Siraj has conceded runs at the unhealthy economy rate of 9.55 which subsequently saw his strike rate of 24.14.
Equally, he has looked a pale-shadow on the field.
Thus, looking at the numbers he is most probably going to be shown exit doors for the next edition.