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In the new season of Indian Premier League (IPL), Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) finds themselves ensnared in a familiar struggle, grappling with enduring issues within their bowling contingent, a perennial challenge that has haunted them for years. Despite the rebranding of the franchise this season, the bowling woes persist, evident in the initial stages of the cash-rich league.
RCB’s struggle in the IPL 2024
The Bangalore-based franchise woes are palpable, evident in their inability to muster cohesive performances on the field, resulting in setbacks in three of their initial four encounters. Their heavy reliance on Virat Kohli, coupled with lackluster displays from pivotal players such as Faf du Plessis, Glenn Maxwell and Cameron Green, has proven detrimental in the ongoing campaign.
RCB’s persistent bowling woes
Despite significant investments during the IPL 2024 auction, RCB grapple with a fragile bowling lineup, with Mohammed Siraj shouldering much of the responsibility as the primary spearhead. The absence of a high-quality international spinner further compounds their woes, leaving them vulnerable in crucial game situations.
Underwhelming performances of marquee signings
The much-touted acquisition of Alzarri Joseph, secured for a hefty sum of ₹11.50 crore, has failed to yield the desired dividends thus far. The towering paceman has struggled to leave an impact, managing just one wicket while conceding runs at an alarming economy rate of 11.9.
Also READ: Glenn Maxwell discusses the factors affecting RCB’s performance in ongoing IPL 2024
Stuart Broad’s insights and recommendations on overseas players
Stuart Broad, the former England paceman, weighed in on RCB’s lackluster start to the season, expressing bewilderment at the franchise’s barren trophy cabinet despite boasting stalwarts like AB de Villiers and Chris Gayle in the past, alongside the contemporary legend Kohli.
“I think a lot of people have a lot of different views on RCB. It’s such a glaring lack of a star above that badge, isn’t it for the franchise of the players they’ve had? They’ve had a history of fantastic batters, De Villiers, Gayle and obviously Kohli is still there,” Broad said on Star Sports Press Week Show.
While acknowledging Kohli’s fine form with the bat, Broad underscored the imperative of bolstering their bowling arsenal, advocating for the inclusion of overseas bowlers while suggesting the omission of their marquee signing, Australian all-rounder Cameron Green.
Green, procured for a staggering 17 crores, has struggled to leave an imprint, accumulating a mere 54 runs and clinching only two wickets across three matches, with an economy rate of 8.83.
“I think you need to play two overseas bowlers. I think the bowling isn’t a strength of theirs. They don’t think the bowling is going to win them enough games. I think they need to bring in Reece Topley and Lockie Ferguson as a left-arm swing bowler and a genuine fast bowler say to Faf, Virat and Glenn Maxwell, you’ve got this, we’re backing you to get our runs on the board. We need a bowling attack to win it,” the 37-year-old added.
“Yes, it’s a brave decision to drop Cameron Green after whoever made that decision to trade him for such a lot of money. It’s a brave decision to leave him out of the starting 11 because it’s sort of going against what you believed at the start of the season, but I don’t think that team is balanced. I don’t think it looks right. And if they’re getting 180-190, I don’t see them defending them at the moment. So, bring in two overseas bowlers and say yeah, I’m happy with the batting I think we’ve got that covered and see where it gets you,” Broad concluded.
RCB will face Rajasthan Royals (RR) at Jaipur’s Sawai Mansingh Stadium on Saturday (April 6) in earnest hopes of reversing their fortunes.
