IPL 2018: Best Possible XI for Royal Challengers Bangalore

The Royal Challengers Bangalore looked good in the auction. Yet again, they have stacked their batting line-up with some superstars and big hitting players. Something that will stand out for them this season is that they managed to pick some good quality Indian and overseas all-rounders. The Royal Challengers Bangalore brought 24 players in its squad for the 2018 season.

In the last few season, the bowling has been the weak link for RCB. After Mitchell Starc pulled out of the league in 2016, they didn’t have a good bowler to bank upon at the start and in the death overs. Moreover, it is no different this year as they failed to buy an exceptional T20 bowler. Virat has got some serious thinking to do as far as the bowling is concerned.

Here is the Predicted XI for the Royal Challengers Bangalore:

Openers- Quinton de Kock(WK) and Bredon McCullum

These two batsmen opening the innings for RCB is an absolute no-brainer. Given his aggressive gameplay, McCullum can take the side off to a flyer in the powerplay. He likes using his feet to go big and could be the ideal replacement for Gayle in the line-up. Also, de Kock at the other end is a free-flowing stroke maker. He enjoys playing in the subcontinent conditions. He also doubles up as a wicketkeeper giving scope to add another batsman or an all-rounder in the lower order.

Middle Order- Virat Kohli(C), AB de Villiers, Mandeep Singh

Having stable openers means that Virat can be back to his all-time favorite No.3 position. Having him at three will provide some stability and he can carry on after a good start or can stabilize the innings if the team loses early wickets. He will be followed by the Mr.360 who can bat at four or five as per the situations’ demand. He can also don the finishers’ role for RCB batting at No.5. Mandeep Singh will also play a crucial role in the middle order. RCB earlier had troubles after they lost their top-4 batsmen.

All-rounders- Colin de Grandhomme, Pawan Negi, Washington Sundar

Having all-rounders aplenty is a luxury for any captain to have. In this line-up, RCB will have one batting all-rounder and two bowling all-rounders. It is essential for any team to have a sixth bowler in a T20 game. de Grandhomme could take this role up. All these three can hit the ball long and also bowl some handy overs in the middle. Washington Sundar opening the bowling could be a possibility.

Spinners- Yuzvendra Chahal

Chahal will be the lead spinner for RCB in this attack and also Virat’s triumph card. The leg-spinner has been exceptional in T20 cricket in the recent times and will play a crucial role in RCB’s success.

Fast Bowlers- Umesh Yadav, Aniket Chaudhary

Umesh and Aniket will burden the fast-bowling responsibilities. Umesh is a much-improved bowler now and hits the right areas. Also, he rushes the batsmen with his extra pace. Although his economy is on the higher side, he picks crucial wickets. Aniket being a left-arm bowler, could be Virat’s first choice. Left-arm bowlers have been successful in the recent times. However, RCB might also try Mohammad Siraj as the tournament progresses.