IPL 2022: 3 Captaincy options available for RCB

The Royal Challengers Bangalore have made some really exciting buys in the just-concluded IPL 2022 mega auction. RCB have welcomed the likes of veteran South African batter Faf du Plessis, Australian speedster Josh Hazlewood, Sri Lankan spinner Wanindu Hasaranga, Windies sensation Sherfane Rutherford, wicketkeeper batter Dinesh Karthik, etc. on board. After having rebuilt their squad, Bangalore would be hoping to start afresh as they look forward to winning their maiden IPL crown.

Meanwhile, RCB are yet to name their captain. Their seasoned player Virat Kohli stepped down from the position after the conclusion of the last edition but had made it clear that he would continue to feature for the team as a player. The Bengaluru-based franchise received a huge setback when ‘Mr.360’ AB de Villiers went on to announce his retirement from all forms of the game last November and thus, were deprived of a good captaincy option.

Ahead of the upcoming season of the IPL, we have listed down multiple captaincy options for RCB.

Here are the players who can lead RCB in IPL 2022:

1. Dinesh Karthik

Dinesh Karthik was roped in by RCB for INR 5.50 crore after an intense bidding war with the defending champions CSK on Day 1 of the IPL 2022 mega auction. With Karthik coming in, Bangalore will be heaving a sigh of relief as far as their captaincy woes are concerned. He has captaincy experience and had led KKR for two seasons in 2018 and 2019 respectively.

The veteran stumper was also the skipper during the 2020 edition before being replaced by the English white-ball captain Eoin Morgan midway. At the same time, the cricketer-turned-part-time broadcaster is coming back to RCB for the first time after 2015 and also has the experience of playing for various teams in the last few years which could be very instrumental for the success of the Bengaluru-based franchise.

Therefore, if given an opportunity, Dinesh Karthik would not mind proving his mettle as captain for his second team in his illustrious IPL career. He can also play the role of a finisher in the team which he did significantly well during his stint with KKR.

2. Faf du Plessis

Faf du Plessis was bought by the Royal Challengers Bangalore for INR 7 crore. He was released by the defending champions Chennai Super Kings in November last year. With Du Plessis now a part of RCB, the franchise would definitely be looking towards him to lead them from the front as he has a wealth of experience.

The veteran batter has led South Africa at the highest level and more importantly also has a big match temperament and has played some impactful knocks in crucial IPL knockout games in the past. Faf has a lot of situational awareness which could be handy should Bangalore make the playoffs this time around.

With another experienced candidate in their ranks, RCB would certainly not hesitate to appoint Faf du Plessis as Virat Kohli’s successor.

3. Glenn Maxwell

Glenn Maxwell was one of the Royal Challengers Bangalore’s retained players just months before the IPL 2022 mega auction along with batting megastar Virat Kohli and Indian Test specialist Mohammed Siraj. He has been paid a sum of INR 11 crore for this season. Maxwell had an excellent year in IPL 2021 as he finished with 513 runs from 15 matches.

While the two-time World Cup winner is known for his power-hitting abilities and part-time off-spin, his captaincy abilities are really underrated. In fact, the star all-rounder leads the Melbourne Stars in the Big Bash League (BBL). However, the Stars despite being one of the best franchises are yet to win a title.

Therefore, it should not be surprising if RCB decides to go ahead with Glenn Maxwell as their captain on a long-term basis starting this year.