Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) – IPL 2019
4 min read
Introduction
It is very difficult to form an opinion about RCB’s auction. They made a couple of smart buys and acquired Marcus Stoinis from KXIP. While most of their departments look complete, the batting looks a little weak, with the onus once again falling on Kohli and A B de Villiers.
Suggestive Playing XIs
Mihir’s SWOT Analysis
strengths
- For the first time in a long time, RCB possess a varied and potent bowling lineup.
- RCB also boasts of a good and solid bench strength, especially in the all-rounders department.
weaknesses
- Lack of good Indian batsmen apart from, of course, Virat Kohli.
- The overall batting also looks a bit weaker, as compared to the bowling. It seems like RCB can get only either batting or bowling right.
opportunities
- All-Rounder Shivam Dube is an exciting prospect, not to mention he is in great form of late.
- Apart from him, most other players are in top form. Virat Kohli is always in form. Marcus Stoinis, Yuzvendra Chahal, Shimron Hetmyer and Colin de Grandhomme are all in great nick.
threats
- Like always, there is an additional dependency on Kohli and A B de Villiers.
- Since the last couple of years, the Chinnaswamy Stadium pitch isn’t assisting batsmen the way it did before that. While it doesn’t pose that much of a threat to this RCB lineup, which seems more bowler-dependent, it still poses a certain amount of threat.
key player
Umesh Yadav —> Umesh Yadav’s performance last season was a huge surprise package. Now, he has been in and out of the Indian team over the last year but make no mistake, he is very vital to the overall performance of the RCB team. In essence, he is bound to be the leader of the RCB attack and the wicket-taking responsibilities lies with him and Chahal.
prediction
On the face of it, it doesn’t look like RCB has the necessary arsenal to make it to the playoffs. They lack the kill you want to seen in a potentially champion team. But, they are known to throw up surprises, so it’ll be interesting to see what kind of season they have in store for us.
Samrat’s SWOT Analysis
strengths
- RCB has the best in the business in likes of Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers in the batting unit. The two have been consistent for the team since the past few years.
- Shimron Hetmyer and Heinrich Klaassen are two other big batting names in the team.
- They also have a great bowling unit with the inform Tim Southee, Umesh Yadav, Mohammed Siraj, and Yuzvendra Chahal.
- The young uncapped Shivam Dubey was a big addition and he will be a player to watch out for.
- The entry of Marcus Stoinis in the team will also be a big gain for the Royal Challengers. The entry provides RCB with a host of good all-rounders, including Pawan Negi, Moeen Ali and Colin-de Grandhomme.
weaknesses
- Consistency has always been a big concern for the team. For instance, Washington Sunder was phenomenal with Rising Pune Supergiants in 2017, but his performance declined with RCB.
opportunities
- Virat, being captain has extreme want to win this competition which can help.
threats
- Batting strength of the bench is a big concern for the team and again, the world cup factor would affect Indian and foreign player’s availability for the second half of this year’s IPL.
key player
Virat Kohli —> He is very likely to be a heavy performer this summer season.
prediction
Yes, RCB would make it to the playoffs.
Roster
