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Cricket fans are eagerly anticipating the Indian Premier League (IPL) mini-auction scheduled for December 19 in Dubai, where ten teams will strive to optimize their remaining budgets. One of the most popular team in the league Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), led by Faf du Plessis, will enter the auction with a decent INR 23.25 crores, having made strategic moves such as acquiring Australian all-rounder Cameron Green through a trade with Mumbai Indians (MI).
AB de Villiers’ insights on RCB’s IPL 2024 auction strategy
Former RCB star AB de Villiers, now offering insights into RCB’s potential strategy, highlighted the team’s need for a power-hitting presence in the lower order. While acknowledging the strength in the batting lineup, he underscored the importance of bolstering the bowling department.
In a recent discussion on his YouTube channel, De Villiers has advocated for the inclusion of ‘X-factor’ players capable of turning the game around.
“They (RCB) need a couple of X-factor players. If I were there, I would look at an X-factor spinner and an X-factor fast bowler. Their batting looks set but they may get another big hitter to bat alongside Dinesh (Karthik) and (Glenn) Maxwell,” De Villiers said.
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Identifying the X-Factor
De Villiers specifically identified Mitchell Starc, the veteran Australian speedster, as a potential game-changer for RCB. He emphasized the value of players like Starc, known for providing a cutting edge, especially in high-scoring venues like the Chinnaswamy Stadium.
“He (Starc) has played the IPL for them before. He has said how good he feels. He is bowling really well in the Test matches too. He is the kind of X-factor bowler you need in your team at the Chinnaswamy. He is experienced and smart so it would be a great move,” the 39-year-old concluded.
With Starc’s IPL experience, having played 27 matches and took 34 wickets and also previously represented RCB, the speedster is anticipated to be a sought-after addition for multiple franchises in the upcoming auction.
