IPL 2020: Signings which can take RCB closer to their maiden crown
The auctions for the 13th edition of the IPL will be held in Kolkata on December 19th. The auction will be of great importance for Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) as they look for a fresh start. Not having won a single title in the 12-year history of the tournament, Virat Kohli’s team will require a good outing, in order to build a strong side. They have 27.90 crores in their kitty to spend, with 6 overseas and 12 overall slots available.
Here we take a look at three areas which they will look to improve upon:
An explosive wicketkeeper-batsman
Parthiv Patel is the only experienced wicketkeeper-batsman in RCB’s squad. The franchise desperately needs a keeper who will make an immediate impact being a part of the playing XI. If RCB opt to go for an Indian option, Robin Uthappa despite being a part-time keeper can fulfil the role. If they decide to go all guns blazing, young English talent Tom Banton will be a good option while also solving their top-order conundrum.
A middle-order dasher
Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers make up a strong top-order core. But RCB’s option down the order is paper-thin, to say the least. They need a proven finisher who can also steady the innings if things go awry up top. England captain Eoin Morgan can prove to be a wise signing and exactly what the Bangalore-based franchise requires.
A proven overseas fast bowler
RCB’s current fast bowling options are Umesh Yadav, Navdeep Saini, Mohammed Siraj and all-rounder Shivam Dube. Though big names on paper, they still have a lot to prove in the IPL. RCB thus require a proven overseas pacer who can be the spearhead. A bowler who will pick wickets upfront while also being lethal at the death. Australian Mitchell Starc could have proven to be a massive buy for RCB before he decided to opt out of the IPL. His partner Pat Cummins though can be a prudent buy for the franchise after the stunning year he has enjoyed in international cricket. Chris Jordan will also be an alternative as he has recently re-emerged in the England set-up and is one of the most consistent performers in T20 cricket.
