The TATA IPL 2023 is expected to commence on March 23. On the other hand, the Royal Challengers Bangalore did little to no buying in the TATA IPL 2023 Auction as they had most of their basics covered in the last season and they made a few transfers too. The men in red and black are looking relatively settled. But they also have a few evident loopholes. To quote Joy Bhattacharya, “There hasn’t been one season that the RCB squad hasn’t had the potential to win the league.” The Bengaluru boys have always had firepower. But will they make it count this time around? Here is a look:
Strengths of the Royal Challengers Bangalore:
The team is filled with multi-dimensional and domestic gems. They have Mahipal Lomror who can give a bit of spin, they have the international prowess of Glenn Maxwell, and they also have Shahbaz Ahmed who is at the peak of his career. These players will form the middle order of RCB and will also give them at least 8 overs of bowling. This adds immense value to any team. The other strength is that the team is laden with good fielders. This comes in handy when we have to choke the opposition in low-scoring games. Glenn Maxwell, Virat Kohli, and Faf Du Plessis are like bullets on the field.
Weakness of the Royal Challengers Bangalore:
The weakness is not evident but they lack a pure spinner in absence of Hasaranga. They do not have a backup wicket-taking option in the middle overs. Siraj and Hazlewood can attack the opposition in the powerplay but in the middle overs, it is just Hasaranga. Harshal Patel is also having an issue. He is going for runs in the death as the batters can pick his slower balls and his cutters. He has to polish on hiding these weapons very effectively.
Opportunities for the Royal Challengers Bangalore in TATA IPL 2023:
There are many opportunities for the Indian batters. The RCB line-up is such that either Suyash Prabhudesai or Mahipal Lomror or Shahbaz Ahmed will get a considerable number of chances with the bat. These boys have to make the most of these opportunities. The thing is that Rajat Patidar who once was given such chances has been picked for the national team. So, why can’t these boys travel on the same journey? Another opportunity for Harshal Patel to make a comeback to the national team because Arshdeep Singh is struggling with the death overs.
Threats for the Royal Challengers Bangalore in TATA IPL 2023:
Not many threats but they are relying on domestic batters and Glenn Maxwell to hold their middle order together. One of Virat Kohli or Faf Du Plessis has to bat through the innings. Or the better option can be to ask Rajat Patidar to open and Virat Kohli to walk in at number 3. The availability of Josh Hazlewood is another point of concern. The Australian cricket board can ask the RCB management to give him a limited workload as the Australians have to play the Ashes post the TATA IPL 2023.
The Squad of the Royal Challengers Bangalore in TATA IPL 2023:
Faf du Plessis (c), Virat Kohli, Suyash Prabhudessai, Rajat Patidar, Dinesh Karthik, Anuj Rawat, Finn Allen, Glenn Maxwell, Wanindu Hasaranga, Shahbaz Ahmed, Harshal Patel, David Willey, Karn Sharma, Mahipal Lomror, Mohammed Siraj, Josh Hazlewood, Siddarth Kaul, Akash Deep, Reece Topley, Himanshu Sharma, Will Jacks, Manoj Bhandage, Rajan Kumar, Avinash Singh, Sonu Yadav.
Expected Playing XI:
Faf Du Plessis (C), Virat Kohli, Rajat Patidar, Glenn Maxwell, Mahipal Lomror, Shahbaz Ahmed, Dinesh Karthik, Wanindu Hasaranga, Harshal Patel, Mohammed Siraj, Josh Hazlewood.
Schedule for the Royal Challengers Bangalore:
The schedule for the TATA IPL 2023 is yet to be announced. Hence the schedule for the Royal Challengers Bangalore is not released.
Predictions for the Royal Challengers Bangalore in TATA IPL 2023:
The RCB team will end up at number 2 in the points table and even qualify for the finals in this season. They have the team. It is a good balance of experience and youth. And most importantly, the youngsters that they have chosen are showing immense promise. With the kind of form Virat is in, he is expected to be their best batter like every season. Dinesh Karthik will have another good season. Mohd Siraj will be their top wicket-taker.
X-Factor Players:
Mohammed Siraj and Rajat Patidar are the X-Factor players. Rajat Patidar has been batting with an average of 70 in the past 2 domestic seasons. This stat is given considering the entire season. One cannot forget the impact that he created in qualifier 2 of TATA IPL 2023. Patidar on his day can win you games single-handedly. Mohammed Siraj on the other hand is at the peak of his career. RCB needs to make the most of his prime. He is bowling quickly and is swinging the ball squarely. He is turning his potential into performance.
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To know more go to the official website of the Royal Challengers Bangalore.