IPL 2019: Royal Challengers Bangalore's predicted XI after World Cup departures

After a horrendous start to their campaign, Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) have picked themselves up with three wins in their last four games. Yet, the damage done to their title ambitions is a little too much and for them to recover from this juncture is very difficult. They will keep hoping for a miracle, but losing out some big players due to the World Cup will not help their cause.

RCB is one of the sides which will be affected the most after losing out some of their players. The likes of Marcus Stoinis, Moeen Ali, and Dale Steyn will be leaving the squad soon, leaving a huge void in the side. Skipper Virat Kohli has a lot to think about as it stands but surely, he will be keen to bring out the best of what’s available.

Head coach Gary Kirsten and bowling coach Ashish Nehra have been working very hard to find a proper balance in the side, which they haven’t found despite playing 10 matches. It will be a huge task for them to finish on a respectable note, but with RCB, you always have to expect the unexpected.

1. Parthiv Patel

Despite some personal concerns, Parthiv Patel has been playing with a big heart for the side. He influenced a huge run out against Chennai Super Kings and with the bat, he has been stupendous. The opener has done a great job to keep up the faith shown by his skipper and will continue to be an important member of this side.

2. Virat Kohli

Skipper Virat Kohli is doing everything he can to prevent the possible damage, but his teammates are leaving a bit too much burden on him to carry out the job. With the World Cup coming soon, he will be keen to get more runs to his name and gain some form ahead of the big tournament. If he can inspire RCB to a playoff spot, that is the finest motivation he can carry to the World Cup.

3. AB de Villiers

One of the greats of this generation, AB de Villiers has clearly looked like a retired player this season. Although he’s just 35, lack of match practice has left him a bit rusty and has not been at his brutal best. Having said that, he still is looking good enough to score some vital runs for the team. When a legend like ABD is on your side, there’s no way the team will look for anyone else.

4. Shimron Hetmyer

Over the years, we have seen players benefitting from sacking. Shimron Hetmyer has all the potential in the world to be a superstar and his international stats prove the point. He has struggled in the first few opportunities, but he can still win the fans’ faith with a few good knocks towards the business end.

5. Akshdeep Nath

The youngster is clearly struggling, but Akshdeep Nath definitely has the management’s backing. He got off to a good start in the previous game and is looking for a big breakthrough knock to cement his spot. He can hit the long ball and can maintain high strike-rates, as his domestic record suggests, but as of now, very little evidence of that in the IPL has been seen.

6. Colin de Grandhomme

Not the best of options, but Colin de Grandhomme has to come into the XI sheerly because of the lack of resources. They literally have very few options with them, which in a way indicates grave danger in the coming games. Yet, Grandhomme can be of great help for the side if he can give good finishes with the bat and provide a couple of good overs with the cherry.

7. Pawan Negi

One of the few bowlers apart from Navdeep Saini and Yuzvendra Chahal who has been impressive is Pawan Negi. He was given the 19th over against Mumbai Indians against his will, but apart from that, he has been spot on with his lines and lengths. In that same game, he troubled everyone with his guile and trajectpry. He will have to keep performing in the same way or even better himself to be of great use to Kohli.

8. Umesh Yadav

Almost bottled the game against Chennai Super Kings with some poor lengths, but Umesh Yadav bowled a terrific slower delivery off the final ball to help them get over the line. Umesh still has loads of experience to his name and the team needs him to get the best out of himself in this critical hour.

9. Kulwant Khejroliya

Young Kulwant Khejroliya might be an unknown name for many, but he did get to debut for the team last season. He still hasn’t played a single game yet, but in a hunt for a good balance after Dale Steyn’s departure, Khejroliya might get a chance to feature in the XI. He might be partnering his Delhi companion Navdeep Saini in this prospect.

10. Navdeep Saini

Arguably RCB’s best fast bowler this season, Navdeep Saini impressed everyone so much that with just a few games, he came in contention for a place in the World Cup squad. The youngster quite clearly is one of the fastest bowlers in India right now and will be a huge prospect for RCB not just in the coming games, but also in the coming seasons.

11. Yuzvendra Chahal

Virat’s biggest weapon with the ball, Yuzvendra Chahal has been a ray of light in RCB’s darkest chapter in IPL. He is in contention to win the Purple cap and every time he gets the ball from Kohli, he does something good for the side. Before the World Cup begins, he will be desperate to get more wickets to his name and take some confidence to England and Wales for the World Cup.

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