IPL 2020: Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) Strongest Playing 11

Virat Kohli led RCB’s bowling the focal point as we look at the predicted 11 of Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) for IPL 2020.

The IPL 2020 pre-auction trade window saw Royal Challengers Bangalore retaining the least number of players, 13. While they retained most of their Indian core, it was the overseas players’ department that created a huge gap for them. 

RCB’s fundamental aim at the auction was to address their death-bowling issues, and add arsenal to their middle-order. While the acquisitions of Chris Morris, Isuru Udana, Dale Steyn, and Kane Richardson does solve the death bowling issues, the middle-order woes are still visible.

Additionally, RCB beefed-up their top-order with the acquisitions of Aaron Finch and Josh Philippe among the overseas stars, and Shahbaz Ahmad among the Indian stars as the backup wicket-keeper. 

Overall, RCB have a solid playing 11 in place, however, most of their backups are inexperienced. So, with the possible pool of players available, let’s look at the predicted playing 11 of Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) for IPL 2020. Meanwhile, if you have been following women’s cricket, you might find it surprising. In regards to the females, the situation is really improving, and we might find a new IPL dedicated to them.  

A ‘Core’ in the making?

RCB have struggled to define a ‘core’ for themselves in the last couple of seasons. If we talk about their core, it majorly revolves around two players, Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers. The repercussion of that is RCB have suffered from the lack of consistency in their playing XI.

However, for the upcoming season, there resembles to be the formation of a ‘core’ in the Bangalore camp. While Virat Kohli, AB de Villiers, Yuzvendra Chahal, and Navdeep Saini are certain starters, based on their recent form, Shivam Dube and Washington Sundar are also going to be an integral part of this team.

Along with them, seasoned campaigners, Parthiv Patel and Umesh Yadav add to the depth of this squad. Not to forget, recent auction picks – Aaron Finch, Moeen Ali, Chris Morris, and Devdutt Padikkal will also operate a crucial role next season.

Royal Challengers Bangalore Strongest XI: 

Overall, Royal Challengers Bangalore are most likely to field ABD, Moeen, Morris, and Finch as their 4 overseas players; initially at least. This way, the batting line-up looks good, and the bowling unit is well equipped.

Also, with Parthiv Patel being RCB’s best bet as the wicket-keeper, Devdutt Padikkal would have to sit out until RCB find their perfect playing 11.

Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) strongest predicted playing 11 for IPL 2020:

Aaron Finch, Parthiv Patel (WK), Virat Kohli (C), AB de Villiers, Moeen Ali, Shivam Dube, Chris Morris, Washington Sundar, Umesh Yadav, Navdeep Saini, and Yuzvendra Chahal.

Option 1: Devdutt Padikkal in the mix and an extra foreign pacer

After Virat Kohli, the top-order talent, Devdutt Padikkal feels arguably the best Indian batsman in this line-up. The 19-year-old has been in exceptional form in the domestic competitions, and RCB will hope for a similar show from him in IPL 2020.

However, to slot Devdutt Padikkal at the top, Aaron Finch might be asked to move lower down the order. The other opener – Parthiv Patel could find it difficult to bat elsewhere, and hence, this move seems logical. 

With an extra batsman at the top, Moeen Ali could be relieved of his duties in the middle-order. RCB can also utilize this opportunity to bring an overseas pacer in the line-up. This way, Umesh Yadav could make way for either of Dale Steyn or Kane Richardson in the line-up. 

So, here’s how the playing 11 would look if in-form opener Devdutt Padikkal is given a chance at the top:

Devdutt Padikkal, Parthiv Patel (WK), Virat Kohli (C), AB de Villiers, Aaron Finch, Shivam Dube, Chris Morris, Washington Sundar, Dale Steyn, Navdeep Saini, and Yuzvendra Chahal.

Option 2: The wicket-keeper conundrum

While Parthiv Patel is definitely the team’s lead wicket-keeper, RCB have two backups for this position which they can still look at. The Aussie youngster, Joshua Philippe and the Bengal cricketer, Shahbaz Ahmed can replace Parthiv in this department.

If by any chance, Parthiv Patel falls out of form, RCB will have to draft in any one of these two. However, Shahbaz is inexperienced, and may not get the nod. So, the only other option RCB have is to bring Joshua Philippe in the playing XI. But, playing Joshua disturbs the overseas line-up in this case. 

If Joshua Philippe plays as the wicket-keeper batsman, Devdutt Padikkal will play at the top as the second opener. Additionally, Aaron Finch would once again have to play in the middle-order. 

So, here’s RCB’s predicted 11 with Joshua Philippe donning the wicket-keeping duties:

Joshua Philippe (WK), Devdutt Padikkal, Virat Kohli (C), AB de Villiers, Aaron Finch, Shivam Dube, Chris Morris, Washington Sundar, Umesh Yadav, Navdeep Saini, and Yuzvendra Chahal.

So, that’s how RCB stand when it comes to their predicted playing 11 for IPL 2020. What changes you would have made to the playing 11? Please, email your comments to business@cricalytics.com

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