IPL 2024: The 2024 IPL Auction saw the Faf Du Plessis-led Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) make some strategic signings, but their failure to sign marquee players raised a lot of eyebrows. The Bangalore-based franchise invested a lot of money in players like Yash Dayal and Alzarri Joseph, both of whom struggled in the IPL 2023.
Despite having a lot of funds at their disposal, Bangalore failed to sign a proper spinner to replace Wanindu Hasaranga, and they have to rely on Karn Sharma to handle the spin bowling department ahead of IPL 2024. But RCB has a really good and capable fast bowling unit, which consists of the likes of Lockie Ferguson, Reece Topley, and Mohammed Siraj.
Virat Kohli, Faf Du Plessis, Rajat Patidar, Glenn Maxwell, and Chris Green form the batting unit of RCB, and it is one of the best in the tournament.
The addition of the impact player rule further adds an interesting dimension, allowing teams to shift the dynamics in the middle of the match. The Impact Player Rule was introduced for the first time last year in IPL 2023. According to this rule, a franchise needs to name four substitutes along with their main playing 11 at the toss, and they can use the services of any one substitute player at any point in a match by replacing a playing 11 player with the substitute. The usage of this rule completely changed the dynamics of the Indian Premier League last year, and this rule is set to play an important role in IPL 2024 as well. The following are the four players who RCB can use as impact players in IPL 2024:
Rajat Patidar
The return of Rajat Patidar in IPL 2024 after missing the entire IPL 2023 due to injuries will provide a huge boost to the Royal Challengers Bangalore. The 30-year-old performed exceptionally well in IPL 2022 for the Bangalore-based team, and his aggressive batting displays will provide a big advantage to the Bangalore based team. Patidar is going to be a sure-shot starter for RCB next season, but they may be tempted to use him as an impact player if they decide to bowl first in any match.
Vijaykumar Vyshak
Vijaykumar Vyshak, a young fast bowler from Karnataka, emerged as Bangalore’s most-used impact player in the IPL 2023. He was brought in as a replacement for the injured seamer, Reece Topley, and he made an instant impact with the bowl for RCB. The Faf du Plessis-led team used a tactical approach by using Vyshak as an impact player during the inning in which they had to bowl. This allowed Bangalore to play an extra batter during their batting inning. The flexibility offered by Vyshak can be utilized once again by the Faf Du Plessis led team in IPL 2024, which would provide them with an adaptable option for adjusting their team combination based on the result of the toss.
Karn Sharma
Karn Sharma is one of the veterans retained by RCB ahead of IPL 2024. The 36 year old has been playing in the IPL since 2013 and has the necessary experience to lead the spin bowling unit of the Bangalore based team.
His experience and spin variations can come in handy for Bangalore, and they may use him as an impact player in the matches where they have to bat first.
Saurav Chauhan
Saurav Chauhan, a 23-year-old youngster, offers RCB a flexible option as an impact substitute. Known for his ability to hit big shots at will with an impressive strike rate of 150+, Saurav brings a combination of power hitting with sporadic off-break bowling. Having amassed 464 runs in 19 T20 games at an average of 29, his versatility makes him a tempting option to use as an impact player. He can keep wickets as well, which makes him a complete player.
Read: Four Players Chennai Super Kings can use as an Impact Player | CSK Impact Players for IPL 2024
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