IPL: 5 Players RCB should not release ahead of the next season

IPL is approaching its business end, with three teams, Chennai Super Kings, Delhi Capitals and Mumbai Indians, qualified for the playoffs. The fourth spot will be decided after the last match of the league stage which will be played between the Mumbai Indians and Kolkata Knight Riders. MI is looking for a place in the top two, which will ensure a second chance for them during the playoffs while if KKR wins they will be able to qualify and if they lose Sunrisers Hyderabad will edge past them to get into the top four.

A few teams could not get their tactics right this season, such as the Rajasthan Royals, Kings XI Punjab and Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB). RR did not have proper backups for their main players like Jos Buttler, Jofra Archer and also lacked a good bowling attack. KXIP had some big names in their squad but the lack of availability of a sixth bowling option proved costly to them.

Meanwhile, the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) did not get their combinations right as well despite having one of the strongest teams on the paper. They lost their first six matches in a row but, came back stronger at the back end of the league. They will hope to make amends for this year by coming back stronger next season.

RCB had an impressive set of players but many lacked form this year. Even though the season has ended for them, now they have to take a big step forward and retain only the important players for the upcoming IPL season.

Here we bring you the possible list of players whom RCB should retain:

1. Parthiv Patel

The 34-year-old wicket-keeper batsman has done a fabulous job for RCB this season. He has given Bangalore a good energetic start to the innings. He is RCB’s third highest run-getter this season just behind Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers.

Parthiv Patel has scored 373 runs this year with a strike-rate touching nearly 140. He has hit a total of 48 fours this tournament, the highest for Bangalore overtaking Virat’s 46. Moreover, Parthiv’s wicket-keeping was also exceptional behind the stumps and there is no question of him getting released. RCB will surely look to retain him ahead of next year’s IPL.