Royal Challengers Bangalore are undoubtedly one of the most popular IPL franchises. The star-studded RCB has captivated every cricket enthusiast since the inception of the cash-rich T20 league. Despite, still hasn’t been able to lift that coveted IPL trophy which is extraordinary because of the expertise they possess.
It’s IPL 2020 and once again RCB under the leadership of skipper Virat Kohli will be hunting their maiden title. After a disappointing IPL last year the franchise turned the coaching staff completely. They roped in the duo of Simon Katich and Mike Hesson as coaches and they operated overtime in the IPL auction and tried to buy fitting players to cover all the bases of RCB.
The marquee RCB will face the Sunrisers Hyderabad in their opening clash of IPL 2020. With the T20 extravaganza just a few days away we try to find out the top 5 players that will vital for RCB in the upcoming season in the UAE.
Let us take a look at 5 RCB Players To Watch Out For This Season:
5. Devdutt Padikkal
Those who have seen him bat they reckon he is a carbon copy of a young Yuvraj Singh. The elegant left-handed batsman from Karnataka Devdutt Padikkal will be making his IPL debut this year. The think tank of the franchises has already hinted that Padikkal will be a regular feature of the RCB squad in the upcoming season.
With the backing of his franchise, the 20-year-old will overwhelm everyone through his stylish stroke play.
So far, the southpaw has been in breathtaking form in his list A T20 career. In 12 matches he has scored 580 runs at an average of 65 and a strike rate of 175.8. These are unreal numbers which solidify the fact, Padikkal this season will be a major asset for RCB at the top of the order. He will certainly be one of the few RCB players to watch out for in this IPL.
4. Aaron Finch
The RCB franchise has previously stated that the idea behind choosing Aussie white-ball skipper Aaron Finch, was to release some load from captain Kohli. Finch is not only one of the leading T20 batsman but also a terrific team man who’s experienced will be a plus for RCB this season.
Opening the batting, Finch can be box office on his day will single-handedly take RCB home. The Australian is surely one of the players that RCB will pin hopes on this season in the UAE. Finch is currently at the peak of his powers and will be looking to score runs and help RCB progress deep in IPL 2020.
In his IPL career, Finch has played 75 matches in which he has amassed 1737 runs at a strike rate of 131.
3. Chris Morris
Death bowling has always been an Achilles heel for RCB in the IPL. It has often cost them several matches from a winning position in the league. Now to add depth and quality to their fast bowling attack the franchise bought South African Chris Morris in the IPL auction for a staggering 10 crores.
There’s no denying that Morris is a very underrated player that can do the job with both bat and ball. The all-rounder will have his task cut out as he will be in thick of things at crucial junctures in the match throughout the season.
A lot will depend on Morris this season and he will have to be at his absolute best when he takes the field for RCB.
2. Ab de Villiers
The South African batting genius AB de Villiers will again be a player to watch out for RCB this season. Even after retiring from international cricket, ABD is still considered one of the best T20 batsman. He might be past his prime but still, ABD will be an indispensable player for his beloved franchise this season.
Time and time again we have seen him bat like a ‘god’ in IPL as he entertained everyone by executing some unreal and freakish cricket shots. This is a big season for RCB and AB will realise that and will be aiming to produce his best once again for the liked IPL franchise.
The genius has mouth-watering numbers in his IPL career, 154 matches, average 40 and strike rate 151.2 justifies the fact that he is colossal of T20 batting which operates at another level altogether.
1. Virat Kohli
Who else? Coming in at the numero uno place is the RCB skipper Virat Kohli. The run machine has nothing to prove to the world as a batsman in the IPL this year. However, he needs that elusive IPL crown which has been missing in his cabinet for the last 12 years.
Since arriving in the UAE, ‘King Kohli’ has been seen putting in intensity in every practice session as he looks hungry to win this IPL. A few days back Kohli claimed that the current RCB squad is the most balanced since their successful 2016 edition. The franchise will be hoping that they go one better this year and get the monkey off their back and win the title under Kohli.
Also read: IPL 2020: 3 New Picks To Watch Out For In Chennai Super Kings
After a long wait of 6 months, Kohli will return to action and hog the most limelight in IPL 2020. Like every year he will be looking to lead his side from the front with the bat but also make several key decision rights during pressure situations.
Kohli is the leading run-scorer in IPL history and this year all eyes will be again on him when he leads his side in their first match on September 21. Thus, he is an obvious choice when it comes to picking RCB players to watch out for.