IPL 2019: 3 Reasons why RCB will win their maiden title this year

Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) is one of the most fancied and glamorous teams of the Indian Premier League (IPL). Ever since it’s inception, RCB have had a massive fan following. However, if there is one thing that haunts them, it is the empty trophy cabinet.

Despite having some of the biggest names in T20 cricket, an IPL title has eluded them. The stars have been unable to bring glory to the franchise. The Bangalore-based franchise made it to the final on three occasions (2009, 2011 and 2016) but couldn’t cross the final hurdle. Over the years, they have faltered in the big games more often than not and have paid the price.

However, the 12th edition of the tournament brings another opportunity. RCB seem to have all bases covered but the question remains, can they finally break the hoodoo?

Here we look at the three reasons why RCB will win the IPL title this year and break the jinx, finally.

1. Variety in the bowling attack with decent backups

Bowling has never been RCB’s strength in the last 11 years. They have always had firepower and stalwarts in the batting department who could tear apart the opposition . But they never had the bowling attack to defend targets and hence, it has come back to haunt them quite a bit.

However, the story seems to be different this time around. RCB seem to have some good depth and variety in the bowling department. Umesh Yadav was RCB’s go-to bowler last season and ended up as their leading wicket-taker. Nathan Coulter-Nile and Tim Southee add international experience and quality. They have done well for their respective countries in T20 cricket and can bring in their vast skillset.

Add to this the Indian fast bowling core of Mohammed Siraj, Navdeep Saini and Kulwant Khejroliya. These three have impressed in domestic cricket this season and will want to continue their good run. Yuzvendra Chahal will lead the spin attack and has been in excellent form at the international arena. 16-year-old Prayas Ray Burman has done well in List A cricket and is a rather unknown commodity.

Hence, the bowling group does seem to have variety. There are good backups too for both Indian and overseas bowlers. Thus, maybe for the first time, RCB are going into an IPL season with such a wide range of bowling options to choose from.