#3 Royal Challengers Bangalore
This might sound surprising to a few people but Royal Challengers Bangalore do have a very good chance of making it to the playoffs this year. The batting has never been an issue for them over the years. They have amassed high scores consistently. This year also, they have a very good batting line-up that almost ensures big totals again.
The addition of Aaron Finch might do wonders for the team. They earlier had Chris Gayle at the top and Finch would play a similar role for RCB. But Finch has been leading the Australian white ball team for quite some time. So, he brings experience and would certainly be a part of the leadership group. RCB would want to go with the exciting prospect of Devdutt Paddikal to open along with Finch.
To follow the openers is the dream pair of Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers. This is where the core of RCB’s batting lies. When these two bats together, there isn’t a more pleasing sight on a cricket field. There have been talks of AB keeping wickets this year which would allow Paddikal to open. If AB doesn’t keep, Parthiv Patel would come in for Paddikal and there isn’t any other spot than opening where Parthiv could bat.
Then, the 3 all-rounders Shivam Dube, Chris Morris, and Washington Sundar provide strength to the line-up. While Dube might not bowl his full quota of overs every time, Morris and Sundar would consistently be the frontline bowlers. Morris would play a very important role as he can strike the long sixes at the death. He bowls well during the slog overs too.
Yuzvendra Chahal would be the leader of the bowling attack as he has been in the last few years. One aspect where the franchise has suffered the most is death bowling. The pacers just haven’t been able to defend the good work done by the bowlers. But this year, this might change, Navdeep Saini has emerged as a very good speedster. Umesh Yadav brings in pace and experience. Dale Steyn would be monitored closely and if he doesn’t shape up well, Isuru Udana is also a good option for his change-ups.
The batting unit is as strong as ever. If the bowlers stand up and support the batsmen, this could be the season to remember for the Royal Challengers Bangalore.
Best XI of Royal Challengers Bangalore
Aaron Finch, Devdutt Paddikal, Virat Kohli (C), AB de Villiers (wk), Shivam Dube, Chris Morris, Washington Sundar, Yuzvendra Chahal, Navdeep Saini, Umesh Yadav, Dale Steyn/Isuru Udana