The Royal Challengers Bangalore had a decent campaign in the Indian Premier League 2021 season. They finished third in the league stages but were knocked out by the Kolkata Knight Riders in the eliminator. With a mega-auction line-up in December for IPL 2022, the Royal Challengers Bangalore will be keen to keep their core intact.
The BCCI has announced the inclusion of two new franchises, Lucknow and Ahmedabad, for the upcoming seasons. It has also allowed the existing eight franchises to retain four of their players. Retention rules: Four players – Three Indians and One Overseas or Two Indians and Two Overseas players. After the retention process, the two new franchises will get an option to pick three players from the remaining pool.
Given the vast pool of talented players that the Royal Challengers Bangalore has, they have a problem of plenty on their hands. It will also be interesting to see if they decide to retain their experienced players or the newcomers.
On that note, let’s take a look at the four players Royal Challengers Bangalore may retain ahead of the IPL 2022 mega auctions.
#1. Virat Kohli
Virat Kohli is the heart of the Royal Challengers Bangalore in the Indian Premier League. He is the leading run-scorer in the tournament with over 6000 runs at an average of 37.39. Kohli took over as leader of the franchise in 2011. However, he recently announced his decision to step down from the position.
With captaincy off Virat Kohli’s shoulders, the right-hander could be more dangerous will the bat. Virat Kohli is likely to be the first person to be retained by the Royal Challengers Bangalore.
#2. Glenn Maxwell
Glenn Maxwell was the most consistent performer for the Royal Challengers Bangalore in the Indian Premier League 2021 season. He was the leading run-getter for the franchise, scoring 513 runs at an average of 42.75.
The left-hander was the backbone of the franchise batting lower down the order. Given Maxwell’s performance in the last IPL season, he may be the overseas retention pick for the RCB.
#3. Yuzvendra Chahal
Yuzvendra Chahal had a decent outing for the Bangalore side in the Indian Premier League 2021. He took 11 wickets in 15 matches, with an economy rate of 7.05.
Over the years the leg-spinner has been a trusted match-winner for the Royal Challengers Bangalore. He is the leading wicket-taker for the franchise in the tournament. Royal Challengers Bangalore is likely to retain Yuzvendra Chahal for the next season.
#4. Devdutt Padikkal
Devdutt Padikkal was brought in by the Royal Challengers Bangalore in the IPL 2019 auctions. He has been very consistent for the Royal Challengers in the last two seasons. Padikkal was the emerging player of the Indian Premier League 2020 tournament.
This year, the left-hander slammed his maiden IPL hundred, playing for the RCB. Padikkal may also be a captaincy prospect for the franchise, in the upcoming season.
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