IPL 2023: SWOT Analysis of Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB)

A new look Royal Challengers Bangalore led by South African star Faf du Plessis sneaked through to the playoffs at the expense of Delhi Capitals last year. While they dismantled Lucknow Super Giants in the Eliminator, Jos Buttler's brilliant century ended RCB's search of a maiden title in IPL 2022.

But the new season comes with renewed hopes from the fans and players alike as RCB will be back playing in front of their loyal supporters at the Chinnaswamy. The Bangalore-based franchise made a few shrewd signings in the IPL 2023 auction and looks like an evenly balanced side on paper, chasing their maiden IPL title.

Royal Challengers Bangalore Final squad for IPL 2023:

Faf du Plessis (c), Virat Kohli, Glenn Maxwell, Mohammad Siraj, Harshal Patel, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dinesh Karthik (wk), Shahbaz Ahmed, Rajat Patidar, Anuj Rawat, Akash Deep, Josh Hazlewood, Mahipal Lomror, Finn Allen, Suyash Prabhudesai, Karn Sharma, Siddarth Kaul, David Willey, Reece Topley, Himanshu Sharma, Manoj Bhandage, Rajan Kumar, Avinash Singh, Sonu Yadav, Michael Bracewell

The SWOT analysis of the Royal Challengers Bangalore squad for IPL 2023:

Strengths- Virat Kohli's return to form and the backing of Chinnaswamy

RCB managed to qualify for the playoffs last year despite former skipper Virat Kohli's lean run with the bat. Although he was the second-leading run scorer for his team, his performance was not up to the mark in IPL 2022. However, the Indian batting ace made a soaring return to form in the international arena and has been in a menacing touch with the bat heading into the 16th edition of the tournament.

While Kohli's return to form is a shot in the arm for the Bangalore-based franchise, Glenn Maxwell's return to cricket after an unfortunate leg injury is another big boost for the Men in Red and Gold. The Aussie all-rounder will be looking to replicate his heroics from last year's edition, where he formed a tremendous understanding with veteran Indian wicketkeeper-batter Dinesh Karthik.

Mohammed Siraj's form with the new ball has proven to be an invaluable asset for the team. Wanindu Hasaranaga made a sumptuous start to his IPL career last year and will be looking to further enhance his reputation in IPL 2023. Not to mention, RCB will be playing their home matches in front of their vocal supporters at the Chinnaswamy after last year's competition was restricted to a handful of venues due to the pandemic.

Weakness- Lack of depth in the fast bowling department

Faf du Plessis's team is a bit thin in the fast bowling department, not for the first time either, as they don't have much firepower beyond Mohammed Siraj and a couple of overseas pacers. One of the star foreign pacers, Josh Hazlewood is already a doubt for the upcoming edition as he is recovering from Achilles tendonitis.

England's left-arm seamer Reece Topley is a potent replacement for the Aussie, but Topley's track record with injuries isn't good news for the Bangalore side. David Willey could also feature for RCB, given his ability to move the new ball.

Opportunities- Michael Bracewell's time to shine

England's Will Jacks was one of the major signings made by RCB at the IPL 2023 auction. The 24-year-old was expected to strengthen the middle order, however, he was ruled out of the upcoming tournament after he suffered an injury while playing for England earlier this month.

Jack's unavailability prompted the franchise to sign a replacement, which came in the form of Kiwi all-rounder Michael Bracewell. The all-rounder is no stranger to playing in the subcontinent as he had a prolific time with the bat during New Zealand's tour of India earlier this year.

Bracewell's presence in the starting eleven will not only provide an additional batting option in the middle order but will also enable the likes of Glenn Maxwell and Dinesh Karthik to move up the order if required by the team.

Threat- Injuries galore

The 16th edition of the IPL is yet to begin but RCB's campaign is already under threat after injuries to a couple of high-profile players. Australian star pacer Josh Hazlewood's participation in the upcoming tournament became a doubt after he was sidelined during the Test series against India due to a tendon injury.

If Hazlewood's injury concern wasn't bad enough for the Bangalore-based franchise, last year's breakout star Rajat Patidar is set to miss the initial stage of the tournament due to a heel injury. He sustained the injury before joining the RCB camp and is currently undergoing rehab at the NCA in Bengaluru.

This is not the first time that RCB has been left sweating on injuries to their star players ahead of a new season. While things do not look good for the injured duo, there is a glimmer of hope that they could participate in the latter stages of the tournament.