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

Virat-AB duo, the focus as we look at the strongest probable playing 11 of Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) for IPL 2020 matches in UAE.

One of the major reasons for RCB’s miserable execution in the last two seasons has been their failure to be consistent on their home turf. With the idea of home and away games going under the water in UAE, RCB have one less thing to bother about in IPL 2020 UAE edition.

Talking about their squad composition, RCB look decently balanced and model of a fight. While the batting nucleus is their strength, RCB also have attached variety to their bowling by hiring the likes of Chris Morris and Isuru Udana. The spin-department also looks neat for the Bengaluru-based outfit, which would be crucial in UAE. 

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Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) Squad for IPL 2020 UAE:

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: Adam Zampa, Dale Steyn Mohammad Siraj, Navdeep Saini, Umesh Yadav, and Yuzvendra Chahal.

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So, looking at the squad composition and pitches in UAE, what could be the strongest probable playing 11 for Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) for IPL 2020. Let’s have a look in this article.

Openers:

Aaron Finch || Parthiv Patel (WK)

Unlike the last two editions where this segment was RCB’s Achilles heel, for IPL 2020, the team looks stable in this department. While the addition of Aaron Finch will boost the batting heavily, RCB now have exciting backups in the form of Devdutt Padikkal and Josh Philippe.

The former was been in terrific form in Indian Domestic cricket in 2019, and sooner or later should see himself as the front-bearer opener of the squad. Until then, Parthiv Patel, courtesy of his experience and credentials as a wicket-keeper, would take up one slot, while Aussie skipper ‘Finch should walk alongside him.

Middle-order:

Virat Kohli (C) || AB de Villiers || Gurkeerat Singh

As has been the case recently, RCB would depend on its middle-order to bring home the cup. Even if IPL was held outside the earth, the management wouldn’t dare to tinker with the Virat-AB partnership in the middle-order. However, it is what follows that could give the team a few headaches.

Had it been India, Shivam Dube or Moeen Ali might have batted at No.5, but in UAE, we feel that Gurkeerat could get a look-in to accommodate the bowling combination. He is experienced, and plays spin well; something that could serve well for the squad. Depending on the team combination, Moeen Ali would also get his chances in this department.

All-rounders:

Shivam Dube || Chris Morris || Washington Sundar

RCB have had decent all-rounders in the past, but the inability of these players to contribute in both departments has affected the team on many occasions. A part of the blame must be also be directed towards the management for not utilizing them properly. RCB would hope that this changes in 2020.

Shivam Dube’s big-hitting is yet to come off, and he will be keen to impress his captain with fine performances. On the UAE pitches, his medium-paced deliveries could also be effective. Washington Sundar is a proven batsman for Tamil Nadu, and RCB have no choice but to trust him as a batsman for some games. This could further help the youngster do well with his bowling.

The big-ticket buy, Chris Morris, will have the pressure to justify his price-tag next season. Morris has good variations up his sleeve, and most of them tend to work better on slow pitches. While death-bowling could be his primary responsibility, Morris will also be tasked to provide quick cameos with the bat.

Bowlers:

Navdeep Saini || Dale Steyn || Yuzvendra Chahal

Umesh Yadav is an asset at Chinnaswamy, but moving to the UAE, his offerings could make this department one-dimensional. Hence, we feel that the experienced Dale Steyn would replace him in the Arab cities for most games.

Steyn has developed the T20 side of him to good effect, and his experience would make him adapt quickly to the UAE conditions. The humidity may force him to take frequent breaks, but for the important games, Dale would lead the bowling unit. Also, RCB can utilize Adam Zampa for Dale Steyn in a few matches based on conditions. 

Navdeep Saini and Yuzvendra Chahal would form the core of the RCB bowling unit. While Saini is slowly establishing his foothold in the Indian Team, Yuzi is a pro in the game. Saini has pace on his side, but he must work on his variations. For Yuzi, though, UAE would be the perfect place to weave his magic. 

So, that completes the strongest Probable playing 11 for RCB for IPL 2020 UAE. While 7-8 players are confirmed starters for RCB, it is ultimately going to be the rotation of bench players like Moeen Ali, Kane Richardson, Umesh Yadav, Devdutt Padikkal, Josh Philippe, who would get to play a few games. 

The Probable 11 for Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) for IPL 2020 matches in UAE:

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

Thanks for reading! If you had to rate RCB’s probable playing 11 for IPL 2020 UAE, what rating would you give? Please, share your thoughts on business@cricalytics.com

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ALSO READ: IPL 2020 Special: Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) Squad Rating for the season

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