Did RCB get what it takes to win IPL t20...

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“Ee Saala Cup Naamde” … It’s been two years since RCB fans started using this slogan and 12 years since the starting of IPL, fans are waiting for RCB to win their maiden IPL trophy. RCB made it to playoffs four times in 12 editions of IPL and to the final thrice. In all these occasions, they rode to playoffs by depending on their strong batting line up consisting Chris Gayle-Universal Boss, Virat Kohli-The King and ABD(Mr.360). These batsmen can single handedly win matches for RCB If they stay in crease. And that is their problem too. They don’t have any other player to rely on if their star batsmen fail. RCB batting line up revolves around Kohli, ABD and they need a star overseas batsman, solid Indian middle order and if possible a finisher (not that it is required with the presence of Kohli and ABD). Even though Moeen Ali is there.. he didn’t light up the stage for RCB as expected.

            Coming to their bowling department, it was never their strength. Playing 7 matches at home ground (Chinnaswamy Stadium) and not having dependable bowlers who can defend totals or bowl tight death overs is a big problem for RCB. With the batsman like Russell, Gayle, Warner in opposition, those small boundaries in stadium are kids play for batsman. RCB needs a good death bowler who can vary the pace and nail the Yorkers while defending a total at home ground. Though Umesh is very good in the powerplays, he is very expensive in death overs. Talking about Siraj…only Kohli knows why he is still in playing eleven after expensive overs and dropped catches (and why team still retained him). Chahal is the only bowler Kohli can rely upon .

           With the change in the management (Mike Hesson as director) and Coach (Simon Katich replacing Gary Kirsten), One would (especially RCB fans) expect RCB to make good purchases in the auction. They started well by buying Aaron Finch, who gives them a solid start at the beginning of innings. Then they tried to buy Pat Cummins (much needed bowler for RCB team to change their fate), only to be denied by KKR in the last minute. Still they have chances of buying Sheldon Cottrell, who had a fantastic India tour just before auctions or Chris Jordon (Death overs specialist in T20 for England). These two are better choices for RCB. But then, RCB doing a RCB, shocking everyone, went after Morris and bought him for 10 crores. Though Chris Morris is not a bad buy who offers all-round options for RCB but getting him for 10 crores… Is it a smart buy? They could have bought Maxwell who will blast the balls out of Chinnaswamy stadium for fun and give two overs of bowling.

            After these purchases, they still needed a pacer and they bought Kane Richardson Paying 4.4 crores. They bought Dale Steyn who had an excellent MSL. Last year, when Steyn played three matches for RCB before leaving due to injury, he spearheaded their bowling team and instilled confidence in them. RCB won 3 matches with improved bowling performance with Steyn leading their bowling unit. Though he is prone to injuries, RCB needs him to lead their pace attack. They made few more purchase which includes Udana (on whom Mike Hesson is ready to spend 9 Crores) and Joshua Phillipe (Good buy) , Pavan Deshpande and Shabaz Ahmed.

With the above purchases, does RCB filled all their gaps…Only time will tell them how their auction strategy worked out.

Probable Playing Eleven :

1. Aaron Finch

2. Parthiv patel

3. Virat Kohli

4. AB De Villiers

5. GuruKeerat Singh/ Devdutt

6. Shivam Dube/ Washington Sundar

7. Chris Morris

8. Chahal

9. Dale Steyn/Kane Richardson

10. Umesh yadav

11. Navdeep Saini