IPL 2019: 3 players who could have been better captains for RCB

Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) without any doubt have been one of the underperforming teams of the Indian Premier League (IPL). The side despite having some of the best names in cricket world under their belt has failed to make an impact in the last many editions of the tournament. Captained by Indian skipper, Virat Kohli, RCB after reaching the finals of 2016 season, finished at the bottom of the table in 2017 and produced a similar sort of dismal show last year as well.

The 30-year-old Delhi-born Kohli though has been a prominent member of the side when it comes to batting, however, the star cricketer has failed to do justice as captain. Virat was appointed as skipper of Bangalore in 2013 and the team has since qualified for playoffs just twice while is still waiting to clinch the maiden IPL title. As there were also some questions raised over Kohli’s captaincy stint with RCB, so in this piece, we look at the three better captains RCB could have had.

AB de Villiers

The former South African great, AB de Villiers apart from doing exceedingly well at the international level, has been one of the most powerful batting performers of the Indian Premier League. Before getting picked by Royal Challengers Bangalore ahead of IPL 4, the right-handed batsman was a part of Delhi Daredevils (now Capitals) for the first three seasons.

Having an experience of leading South Africa and several franchises in multiple leagues around the world, AB could have been a better candidate to lead RCB for sure. Pertinently, the retired Proteas cricketer is counted among the most friendly and calm blokes playing the game, which always acts as a bonus for a skipper in a league like IPL where players from all around the world take part.

Tim Southee

Another similar sort of customer, Tim Southee could have also been a better skipper to lead the struggling Royal Challengers Bangalore side. Southee has led New Zealand in both T20I and ODI cricket in recent times, finishing with appreciable results. He also plays all around the world and is undoubtedly a crucial member of the Kiwi team.

Meanwhile, Southee has played for several franchises in the Indian Premier League as well. He made his maiden appearance in the league for Chennai Super Kings in 2011. Later, he played for Rajasthan Royals and Mumbai Indians for a couple of seasons before earning a bid from Royal Challengers Bangalore last year.

Moeen Ali

The English all-rounder, Moeen Ali, was bought by Royal Challengers Bangalore in the 2018 IPL auction and after some formidable performances, he was retained ahead of the ongoing edition of the league. Moeen can bat at the top, in the middle as well as at the back end of the innings. Moreover, Ali is a handy customer with the ball with his off-spin bowling. He bowls restrictive lines, helping him produce good results quite often.

The Birmingham-born cricketer having the experience of leading England U-19 team and Worcestershire earlier could have also been a candidate worth giving the leadership charge for Royal Challengers Bangalore. He is also a calm and composed cricketer who reads the game well.

Here is RCB’s squad for IPL 2019

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