IPL 2019: 3 Players RCB should pick in the auction

A few days ago, reports cleared that Indian Premier League (IPL) 2019 auction will be held in Jaipur on December 18 while the main event is expected to kickstart from March 29, next year.  There is already a lot of excitement emerging for auction though only 70 slots are to be contested. All the eight franchises can make use of their remaining purse and fill the empty spots.

Teams would be wanting to rope in the players that really can strengthen their squad and hence give their best shot in IPL 2019. A good number of reputed players will be available at the event alongside the new faces who have hit the headlines recently.  Meanwhile, one of the under-performing teams of IPL, Royal Challengers Bangalore would also look to make most of the auction.

Here we look at the three players who they would look to pick:

1. Luke Ronchi

The wicket-keeper batsman has been quite consistent with the bat in various T20 leagues around the world. After bagging the Man of the Tournament award in Pakistan Super League (PSL), Ronchi made sure to carry his form in the other events, scoring 243 runs in the 12 matches in the recently concluded Caribbean Premier League (CPL) as well. The 37-year-old called it a day after playing 85 ODI and 32 T20Is for New Zealand.

Ronchi’s experience can surely benefit the Virat Kohli-led RCB side in the upcoming edition of IPL. The former Kiwi is an active campaigner behind the stumps, which adds to his effectiveness. With Bangalore having released Brendon McCullum, it’s highly possible that they can bid on Ronchi to add variety to their batting line-up and avail an extra wicket-keeping option.

2. Akshdeep Nath

2012 Indian World Cup-winning star has been a consistent performer for Uttar Pradesh in domestic cricket. After an unforgettable Ranji Trophy 2017-18, Nath recently ended Vijay Hazare Trophy with 293 runs in six matches, most from his team. The right-handed batsman was brought by Kings XI Punjab last year but he wasn’t given any matches.

As RCB released Sarfaraz Khan, Nath’s insertion will add to their local batting tally. He can bat in the middle for them and help overcome their middle-order woes. The 24-year-old can also bowl part-time medium pace while has kept the wickets a few times as well. His insertion can allow the other batsmen to bat freely during the middle-overs for RCB.

3. Fabian Allen

Royal Challengers Bangalore has been lacking a good all-rounder in their squad. The Jamaican swashbuckler who also bowls left-arm spin might solve this problem for them. The strongly built Allen made his international debut against India during their recent tour to the country.

He though couldn’t do much in the series, but owns amazing T20 numbers. In the eight matches, he has made 146 runs at an alarming strike-rate of 173.80 while scalping some wickets as well. The youngster can fetch a lot of experience in IPL and who knows, he might turn RCB’s fortunes in the forthcoming season.