IPL 2021: Best Predicted Playing XI of Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB)

The auction for the 14th season of the Indian Premier League (IPL) has just finished. This time, we witnessed a mini-auction in which many players were bought in by the franchises. Talking about the purchases, Glenn Maxwell and Chris Morris made the headlines as both of them were bought for a heavy price. This year, the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) line-up looks a bit bland, but the only thing they need is a collective effort from everyone to lift the trophy. 

Last year, the Royal Challengers Bangalore had a decent IPL season. Although they went off track during the latter half of the tournament, they managed to sneak into the playoffs. Since 2008, the Bangalore-based franchise has been trying very hard to clinch the trophy. Well, they finished second in 2009, 2011, and 2016. 

But apart from those seasons, they have been unable to make a mark in the table and the tournament. The over-dependency on Virat Kohli has affected the team and this year, they have purchased Maxwell for INR 14.5 crores! Well, the management has decided to take a big risk and the fans might be anxious because of this decision. Well, the trio of Kohli, Maxwell, and De Villers might entertain fans this year. Let us have a look at the best starting XI of the Royal Challengers Bangalore:

1. Devdutt Padikkal

Devdutt Padikkal was one of the best-uncapped performers last season. He opened up the inning for the Royal Challengers along with Aaron Finch and was the one who took the initiative to attack every time. As an Indian batsman was attacking and playing flawlessly, Padikkal had released some pressure off Virat Kohli’s shoulders. This season, the fans are expecting him to continue his form from the last season.

Padikkal had played every match for the Royal Challengers last year. Of the 15 matches he played, Padikkal scored 473 runs with a healthy average of 31.53. Well, his strike rate is destined to improve as he plays more matches in the future! The RCB management has surely found a star in the form of Padikkal.

This year too, the RCB will be hoping Padikkal to step up and play with freedom. This youngster had played maturely last year and he can stabilize the inning when wickets fall from one end. Apart from that Devdutt Padikkal is an excellent fielder and can change the game on its head with his fielding.

2. Josh Philippe (wicketkeeper)

Josh Philippe is another youngster who will open the innings for the Royal Challengers Bangalore this year. The swashbuckling Aussie was in top-notch form during BBL 10. Even after a poor IPL season, he scored 508 runs in the tenth edition of the BBL. Therefore, he is the best person to open the innings with Paddikal. 

Of the 16 innings in BBL, Philippe had an average of 31.75. Also, a strike rate of 149.41 showcases his talent as an opener. Because of his efforts, the Sixers were able to clinch the BBL trophy. Also, the highest score of 95 speaks volumes about his talent. Hence, he seems to be the best player to open the inning for the Royal Challengers.

Philippe plays flawlessly at the top. Therefore, the management should give him more chances as he was included in the playing eleven for only five games last season. Of the 5 innings, he has the highest score of 33, which is destined to improve in the future. Well, let us hope that Virat Kohli gives him more chances in the future!

3. Virat Kohli (Captain)

Virat “Run machine” Kohli is the biggest name in world cricket today. The Indian captain single-handedly had dragged his team into the IPL finals in 2016. With 973 runs under his belt, he had set new benchmarks for others to follow. However, lack of contribution from other team members meant that they were unable to win the trophy in 2016.

If we look at his career, Virat has been the best batsman in the history of the tournament alongside CSK’s Suresh Raina. The Bangalore captain has played in 192 IPL matches and has scored over 5878 runs. An average of 38.16 is excellent in the toughest T20 league. Adding on, he has a strike rate of 130.73, which is decent enough for a batsman who scores for fun!

This year, they have decided to bring in Glenn Maxwell in their squad. It looks like the trio of Kohli, Maxwell, and de Villers will tear apart any bowling attack. But, RCB’s performance heavily depends on the form of these three batsmen. Well, it was no doubt that Kohli will be a part of the squad. Therefore, Kohli keeps his traditional number three position in this list.

4. AB de Villiers

AB de Villers is one of the most prolific batsmen in the modern era. His ball-striking ability can destroy any bowling attack. He is also known as the 360-degree player and is a decent wicket-keeper too! Adding on, he can single-handedly win you matches any day. Well, he is the perfect companion to Virat Kohli.

ABD can easily switch from classical orthodox batting to playing innovative shots which makes him one of the most dangerous batsmen in the league. Of the 169 IPL matches he has played, de Villiers has scored 4849 runs with a healthy average of 40.40. A strike rate of 151.91 depicts his brutality on the field. And he is one of the best timers of the ball the game has ever seen!

Apart from batting, ABD is an excellent fielder too! He has taken many memorable catches throughout his career and this year too, the fans expect him to pull off a stunner. Last year, he accumulated 454 runs with a healthy strike rate of 158.74. And this year too, we hope that we witness the best of Mr. 360 degrees!

5. Glenn Maxwell

Of the flop performers last year, Glenn Maxwell was the biggest name on the list. The Australian all-rounder had a horrible IPL season last year. This is mainly because he failed to time the ball and he scored 108 runs off 106 balls last season. Therefore, he could only contribute with the ball for the Punjab team. Eventually, he was released by the franchise just before the auction.

If we look at his IPL career, Maxwell has played 82 IPL games. Although he has accumulated only 1505 runs, he has a brilliant strike rate of 154.67 throughout his career. In 2014, he was in terrific form as he scored 552 runs at a strike rate of 187.75. That was Maxwell at his best!

This year, he has been included in the squad with a price value of 14.25 crore. Well, the fans would hope that Maxwell performs consistently for RCB. Apart from his batting skills, he is a terrific fielder who can bowl in a couple of overs too! He fits in this squad perfectly and can help the batting unit to accelerate smoothly.

6. Washington Sundar

Washington Sundar had burst into the Indian Premier League (IPL) in 2017. He played exceptionally well for the Rising Pune Supergiant and later on, for the Royal Challengers Bangalore. After contributing with the ball for the Pune-based franchise, he went on to fetch Rs 3.2 crore during the 2018 auction. The then uncapped player had won a lottery!

In the 2017 season, he bowled with an economy rate of 6.16. During the next season, he had a decent outing with the bat. He had an excellent strike rate of 171.05 in seven games for the Royal Challengers Bangalore. Later on, he grew as an all-rounder who could bowl during the powerplay. 

Last year, he had an excellent season as he bowled with a stellar economy rate of 5.96. Well, do not let the wickets column confuse you. He had picked up only eight wickets but his main role in the squad was to choke the batsmen from one end. This year too, it looks like Sundar will be an effective player for the RCB squad!

7. Shahbaz Ahmed

Currently, Shahbaz Ahmed is a relatively unknown face in the RCB squad. Well, the all-rounder from Bengal made his List A appearance for Bengal in the 2018-2019 season of the Vijay Hazare Trophy. And he had an awesome season for Bengal. These were the signs that an IPL contract was never too far for Ahmed. Later on, the Royal Challengers Bangalore franchise picked him up during the 2020 auction. 

Although he played only a couple of games, he took a blinder during a game against the Rajasthan Royals. Of the 2 matches he played, Ahmed bowled with an economy rate of 7.33. It looks like the all-rounder might compliment the young Sundar in the RCB squad this season.

Ahmed has picked two wickets in two games for the Royal Challengers. It is only a matter of time that Virat provides him more opportunity to make a name for himself during the 14th edition of the IPL. In a team that lacks upcoming stars, Ahmed can take his time to settle down himself.

8. Harshal Patel

It has been a homecoming for Harshal Patel as he makes a comeback into the RCB squad this year as he was traded before the auction. Harshal was one of the few players who were retained by the Delhi Capitals ahead of the 2020 season. He has spent the majority of his IPL career at the RCB camp and this year too, he will be back in action for the Bangalore-based franchise.

His excellent domestic performances make him one of the favorites to make it to the squad. Harshal has played over 45 IPL matches and has an economy rate of 8.74. With the best bowling figure of 3/28, he will look to improve his stats this year. It is the lack of opportunities that has affected his performance. And Kohli, being an aggressive captain, might look forward to giving Harshal more chances this year!

Apart from his bowling, Harshal is not the worst tailender in the game! He can swing the bat and clear the ropes against strong opposition. Well, for a team that struggles to maintain its consistency, Harshal Patel is a perfect option for them.

9. Mohammed Siraj

The son of an auto-rickshaw driver Mohammed Siraj made headlines when he was picked up by the Sunrisers for INR 2.60 crores. This fueled his growth as he was drafted into the Royal Challengers squad during the 2018 season for INR 2.20 crores. Since then Siraj has never stopped growing. Well, his splendid performances during the recently concluded India tour of Australia are enough to prove that he is a tough guy and a brilliant cricketer.

Siraj has played 35 IPL matches so far. During those 35 matches, he has picked 39 wickets with the best bowling figures of 4/32. Although he has a high economy rate of 9.08, he can destroy any batting attack on his day! Therefore he is an important member of the RCB squad. Well, we can clearly state that he is not the worst tailender too!

Last year, he played nine matches and took eleven wickets for the squad. With the best bowling figure of 3/8 during the season, he was able to trouble the batsmen because of his line and length. It looks like Siraj will lead the bowling attack this time. Therefore, he makes it to this playing eleven!

10. Kyle Jamieson

Kyle Jamieson has been making headlines because of his exceptional performances in the international arena. He is a product of the Under-19 squad and was the second joint-highest wicket-taker for his team in the 2014 U19 tournament. Fast-forwarding to 2018, Jameison grabbed the attention of the selectors with a stunning century against the touring England side. 

Jamieson has played in six Test matches so far. In his career, he averages 56.5 with the bat and has the best bowling figure of 6/48. Well, 36 wickets in six matches look impressive and he has been successful in the limited-overs format too. Of the 2 ODIs, he has an economy rate of 4.75. Talking about the shortest format, he has an economy rate of 7.76 in four T20I matches. 

A bowler who can bat is the perfect choice for the Royal Challengers Bangalore. As they suffered whenever Kohli and de Villiers failed, Jamieson might provide the best backup option in terms of batting. This also adds more depth to their lineup. Therefore, Kyle Jamieson is a part of our best playing eleven for the RCB.

11. Yuzvendra Chahal

Apart from Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers, Yuzvendra Chahal is the next big name in this squad. The Indian leg spinner has been successful for his franchise and the national team. Since 2016, he has been India’s permanent wrist spinner. Adding on, he is the first Indian bowler to pick up a five-wicket haul in the T20I format!

Since then, he has been Virat Kohli’s go-to-man whenever the team needs a wicket desperately. Of the 99 matches he has played, Chahal has picked 121 wickets with an excellent economy rate of 7.67. Adding on, he has a couple of 4 wicket hauls to his name, which showcases his talent with the ball! Currently, he is the main strike bowler for the men in red and he continues to grow every season. 

Last year, Chahal played in every RCB game and he picked 21 wickets in 15 matches. With the best bowling figures of 3/18 and an economy rate of 7.08, he looks to build his legacy this season too! RCB is a team that lacks depth in bowling and the onus will be on Chahal to deliver whenever the team will need him.