Hits
RCB’s revamped squad promises explosive batting firepower, especially at their high-scoring home ground, the M Chinnaswamy Stadium. The lineup boasts proven match-winners like Virat Kohli, Rajat Patidar, and Jitesh Sharma, complemented by the hard-hitting prowess of Liam Livingstone, Phil Salt, and Tim David. These players, despite all being right-hand batters, have a knack for adapting and innovating under pressure, giving RCB the potential to set or chase imposing totals.
The addition of Jacob Bethell provides an intriguing left-hand option. The youngster’s fearless approach and versatility could be a trump card in key situations.
On the bowling front, RCB’s new-ball attack is one to watch, with experienced campaigners like Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Josh Hazlewood leading the charge. Left-arm pacer Yash Dayal, who impressed last season, offers a solid option in the powerplay to help RCB start strong.
Misses
However, familiar concerns linger for the franchise. Death bowling remains a glaring issue, with neither Bhuvneshwar nor Hazlewood being particularly effective at the back end of an innings. This puts added pressure on relatively untested options like Dayal and Rasikh Salam, creating a potentially precarious situation.
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The batting lineup, while stacked with firepower, appears slightly unbalanced. Players like David, Jitesh, and Livingstone excel as finishers, while Kohli and Salt are best suited for top-order roles. This leaves Rajat Patidar as the solitary bridge between the two. Krunal Pandya, though a potential floater, has struggled against short-pitched deliveries in recent seasons, raising concerns about his reliability.
Moreover, the spin department lacks a standout performer. While Krunal, Suyash Sharma, and Livingstone can contribute, they might struggle on the flat, high-scoring pitches in Bengaluru.
Overall Rating: 7/10
While RCB have made strides in addressing certain gaps, persistent issues with death bowling and spin remain unaddressed. The team’s batting might paper over some cracks, but the issues with bowling persists. Only time will tell if their plans work out well. As of now, on paper, RCB are over-dependent on their batters as usual.
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