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RCB (Source - Twitter)
Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) had a lot of purchases to be made in the Indian Premier League (IPL) auction 2024. However, they did get some good ones but most of the buys were hard to understand. Notably, they seem to have got some good players, who would be crucial in helping them to achieve what has been impossible for them in the league till now. However, time to look at their strongest XI for the season.
Top order-
At the top, they will play its opening combination of Faf Du Plessis and Virat Kohli. Notably, the duo was the best opening pair in the 2023 season and RCB would be hoping to replicate the same in the 2024 season. Faf Du Plessis is also the leader of the side and has a big challenge ahead of him.
However, Virat Kohli has a big goal ahead of him. The IPL 2024 acts as a tournament that could lead him to prepare for the T20 WC 2024. At number 3, RCB is likely to play Rajat Patidar, who is also their best contender to play in the spot. Notably, top-order batters can be aggressive and contribute to the side well.
Middle-order
Coach Andy Flower announced the top 5 of the team before the start of the auction. In his words, the no.4 and 5 of the side were the two Australians, Glenn Maxwell and Cameron Green. Notably, the two can be aggressive with the bat and useful with the ball. As fielders, they are excellent.
However, they have the hole lower down the order yet again. They do have some options but none seem to be as threatening for the other teams. Dinesh Karthik will have to be trusted to deliver the goods, both as a finisher and as a WK. To follow him would be Manoj Bhandage, who has performed well in the domestic leagues and tournaments in recent times.
Bowlers
RCB can have Mayank Dagar at number 8, who is an all-rounder. RCB got him in trade in exchange for Shahbaz Ahmed. However, if they might need an impact player, RCB could go with Karn Sharma in conditions that are helpful for spinners. The South-Indian franchise will have three genuine pacers in their lineup.
Alzarri Joseph and Mohammad Siraj will form the pace duo. Siraj with the new ball and in the death overs can be exceptional. Joseph will have to come good given the price tag. Vijaykumar Vyshak had a decent outing in the IPL 2023. RCB would hope the hometown boy to give his best in the 17th edition of the league.
RCB playing XI - Faf Du Plessis (C), Virat Kohli, Rajat Patidar, Glenn Maxwell, Cameron Green, Dinesh Karthik (WK), Manoj Bhandage, Mayank Dagar, Alzarri Joseph, Vijaykumar Vyshak, Mohammad Siraj, Karn Sharma (Impact player).
RCB players bought at IPL 2024 auction: Alzarri Joseph (INR 11.50 crore), Yash Dayal (INR 5 crore), Tom Curran (INR 1.5 crores), Lockie Ferguson (INR 2 crore), Swapnil Singh (INR 20 lacks), Saurav Chauhan (INR 20 lakh).
RCB's squad after the IPL 2024 auction: Faf du Plessis (c), Glenn Maxwell, Virat Kohli, Cameron Green, Rajat Patidar, Anuj Rawat, Dinesh Karthik, Suyash Prabhudessai, Will Jacks, Mahipal Lomror, Karn Sharma, Manoj Bhandage, Mayank Dagar, Akash Deep, Mohammed Siraj, Reece Topley, Himanshu Sharma, Rajan Kumar, Vijaykumar Vyshak, Alzarri Joseph, Yash Dayal, Tom Curran, Lockie Ferguson, Swapnil Singh, Saurav Chauhan.