IPL 2020: Strengths and Weaknesses of Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB)

Potent All-rounders, the highlight as we look at the strengths and weakness(es) of RCB for IPL 2020.

‘Tera Kya Hoga Kohliya’! That’s how Virat Kohli is being trolled on Social Media and various platforms in the build-up to IPL 2020. For the ‘Non-Hindi’ folks, It means what would happen to Kohli and RCB in the thirteenth season of IPL, i.e the IPL 2020.

So, what does Virat Kohli and Co. have in their kitty for IPL 2020? Well, they had retained the fewest number of players before IPL 2020 Auction including only two overseas. But, did a superb job in the auction by buying the services of some stalwarts like Aaron Finch, Chris Morris, Dale Steyn, Joshua Philippe, and Kane Richardson. 

So, have the Royal Challengers Bangalore finally got the squad to have a shot at their maiden trophy? Let’s analyze the squad, and look at the strengths and weakness(es) of Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) for IPL 2020. 

Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) squad for IPL 2020: 

Batsmen	Aaron Finch, Ab de Villiers, Devdutt Padikkal, Joshua Philippe (WK), Parthiv Patel (WK), Shahbaz Ahmad (WK), and Virat Kohli (C)
All-rounders	Chris Morris, Gurkeerat Singh, Isuru Udana, Moeen Ali, Pavan Deshpande, Pawan Negi, Shivam Dube, and Washington Sundar
Bowlers	Dale Steyn, Kane Richardson, Mohammad Siraj, Navdeep Saini, Umesh Yadav, and Yuzvendra Chahal

Strengths of RCB for IPL 2020:

#1: The Magnetism of Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers 

As long as the dynamic duo play for the Royal Challengers Bangalore, they would remain as the team’s core strength always. They have such a terrific impact on the team and the game that it is extremely difficult to divert the attention away from them.

The duo has the capability to individually win you 2-3 matches each, and when these two perform together, the opposite team is guaranteed to have a nightmare. So, they would once again be the core strength of RCB, and the trophy chances would primarily depend on how these two individuals perform. 

#2: A Spicy All-round Department 

Royal Challengers Bangalore are one of the only few teams to boast 8 all-rounders in their side. Not just on quantity, the all-rounders are high on quality and talent with a mix of good batting and bowling all-rounders.

The side has quality batting all-rounders in the form of Moeen Ali, Shivam Dube, and Gurkeerat Singh. Complementing them are talented bowling all-rounders in the form of Chris Morris, Washington Sundar, Pawan Negi, and Isuru Udana. If selected wisely, RCB would have solid depth in their batting; thus adding to their strength. 

#3: A Well-balanced Bowling Attack

Known for being a batting side as their history has been, RCB would be proud of the fact that they finally have a bowling squad that is potent from all angles. Right from frontline Powerplay seamers to the middle-overs wicket-taking spinners to the death-overs specialists, RCB have got a well-balanced bowling attack. 

Umesh Yadav, Dale Steyn, and Washington Sundar make up for brilliant Powerplay bowlers. Yuzvendra Chahal, Navdeep Saini, and Moeen Ali can take wickets as well as stop the run flow in the middle-overs. While Navdeep Saini, Chris Morris, and Kane Richardson make up for superb death-overs bowlers. 

Weakness(es) of RCB for IPL 2020:

While Royal Challengers Bangalore do have some solid strengths in their armory, they do have a couple of weaknesses that could cause a hurdle in IPL 2020. 

#1: Fragile Middle-order 

The problem which started in IPL 2019 is also very much visible in IPL 2020. RCB needed a middle-order finisher player badly as an extended arm to Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers at number 5. But, they literally hired no specialist for that role. They did procure the services of Aaron Finch, Joshua Philippe, but both are top-order players.

While Aaron Finch can play in the middle-order, his style is more suited for top-order. Even Devdutt Padikkal and Parthiv Patel are top-order players. This means Shivam Dube and Moeen Ali along with Gurkeerat Singh would play a crucial role once again as middle-order finishers.

But, these are not the bests of the choice in the middle-order because any lack in form would change things drastically for the RCB. Moreover, there are no backups in the batting department that can cover up for the fragile middle-order.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, Royal Challengers Bangalore does have a balanced squad with a minor gap in the batting department. However, it is going to be their bowling that would play a key role if ‘Ee Sala cup Namde’ has to come true finally. 

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.

Thanks for reading! What is your view on the strengths of RCB for IPL 2020? Please, let’s know in the comments. 

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ALSO READ: IPL 2020: Strongest Predicted 11 of Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB)

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