Virat Kohli-led franchise Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) always looked like a team that has the right capability to go far in the exciting Indian Premier League (IPL) tournament. Still, the last three seasons had been worst for them as they finished at the bottom. So, they’d be looking forward to ensuring that the fortunes will witness a change this time around.
The biggest problem of RCB was lack of depth in batting and the absence of proper death specialist bowlers. It was the reason that during the recently concluded Indian Premier League (IPL) auction, Mike Hesson and Co. went for players like Aaron Finch, Chris Morris, Kane Richardson, and Dale Steyn.
However, there were options like Chris Jordan and Sheldon Cottrell, who are considered to be a specialist in death overs but the management of RCB had some other plans.
Before the auction, RCB retained only two foreign players; AB de Villiers and Moin Ali. Now, the inclusion of Finch, Morris, Richardson will add a new flavor to the team.
The squad overall looks promising; therefore, one can expect a better performance in the upcoming mega event. But the key would be if Kohli finds the best combination amongst the squad.
Let’s have a look at the best XI:
RCB have roped in Australia’s limited over captain Aaron Finch to boost the top order, and without a doubt, the southpaw would be the first-choice opener. Parthiv Patel, who opened for the team in the last season, may miss in the upcoming edition but only as an opener because he might play in the middle-order. Young Devdutt Paddikal, who is in the prime of his form in the domestic circuit, is the best candidate to open the innings.
The world’s two best batsmen will carry the middle-order; Kohli and De Villiers at No. 3 and No.4. Patel, who stand behind the wickets, might bat at No.5 position.
The Challengers have missed a proper all-rounder down the order who could contribute with some excellent hitting and bowl a few overs. This time they have found a solution in the form of South African all-rounder Chris Morris who was a part of Delhi Capitals in the last season.
At No.7 comes in Washington Sundar, who is also playing the shortest format in the international circuit. Kohli and Co. will also show trust in their prime spinner, Yuzvendra Chahal.
The fast bowling unit may get guidance from the experienced Dale Steyn, who had a tremendous Mzansi Super League. Apart from Steyn, Navdeep Saini and Umesh Yadav fit best in the playing XI.
RCB has retained Moin Ali as well, but considering their current squad, he might get a place only where the track is a bit on the slower side.
RCB’s best XI for IPL 2020:
Aaron Finch, Devdutt Padikkal, Virat Kohli (c), AB de Villiers, Parthiv Patel (wk), Chris Morris, Washington Sundar, Yuzvendra Chahal, Navdeep Saini, Umesh Yadav, Dale Steyn.
Full squad: Virat Kohli, AB de Villiers, Gurkeerat Mann, Devdutt Padikkal, Aaron Finch, Yuzvendra Chahal, Mohammed Siraj, Umesh Yadav, Navdeep Saini, Kane Richardson, Dale Steyn, Isuru Udana, Moeen Ali, Pawan Negi, Shivam Dube, Washington Sundar, Chris Morris, Pavan Deshpande, Parthiv Patel, Joshua Philippe, Shahbaz Ahmed.
