Can RCB bring cheer this season?

Mohammed Rumman Khan | NT

Bengaluru: For a change, this RCB side have greater bowling balance, unlike the previous ones. Mohammed Siraj, Josh Hazlewood and Harshal Patel bring unique dimensions to the team’s seam attack. Not to mention that they broke the banks for Sri Lankan Wanindu Hasaranga (Rs 10.75 crore), who was with the team last season but couldn’t make his presence felt. He is now a changed cricketer, of course for the good. He can contribute with the bat as well. But the spin department looks considerably weak with back-ups Shahbaz Ahmed and Karn Sharma, who don’t have much of a reputation.

Former South Africa skipper Faf du Plessis is a proven performer and his inclusion will undoubtedly strengthen the top-order batting. Will he lead the side as well? Mostly likely, yes! He has led his national team and won plenty of praise, but isn’t investing a staggering Rs 7 cr on a 37-year-old pushing things too far, wonder die-hard RCB fans. One may arguably say it’s not a futuristic deal. What goes on in the think-tank and how they go about the all-important job is a million-dollar question. Will the team management think about Maxwell leading the side? He has led Melbourne Stars in the Big Bash League for four seasons but his see-saw journey in the IPL has always had the management in two minds.

Like Mumbai Indians, the RCB should bring short- and long-term goals into play at auctions. On the contrary, RCB’s approach has been a subject of ridicule.

Kohli and Du Plessis give solidity at the top. Maxwell will be ideal at 2-down and take up the role of spin hitter, which he does with aplomb, with Rawat and Lomror on either side of him.

Namma Team’s big strength in the batting death overs was AB de Villiers, and his absence is sure to be felt. Karthik needs to don the finishing role along with Hasaranga, every time! Some of the players are inexperienced but signing them definitely will bring a positive environment to the dressing room.

It goes without saying that RCB will also miss Chahal and Padikkal. The team management say they have formed a balanced bunch and have players who have multidimensional skill sets. Fans of RCB will not settle for anything lesser. For 14 long seasons they have loyally been chanting, ‘Ee Sala Cup Namde.’ Hope the chant comes true this season.

RCB possible starting XI

1) Faf du Plessis 2) Virat Kohli 3) Mahipal Lomror 4) Glenn Maxwell 5) Dinesh Karthik (wk) 6) Anuj Rawat 7) Wanindu Hasaranga 8) Harshal Patel 9) Shahbaz Ahmed 10) Mohammed Siraj 11) Josh Hazlewood