Xtra Time Web Desk: Virat Kohli led Royal Challengers Bangalore are one of the most popular teams in the history of Indian Premier League. Despite having some big names in their side over the years, the franchise has failed to live up to the expectation of winning the coveted trophy. The IPL season 14 provides them with a perfect opportunity to go distance, winning their maiden title. Armed with exciting new recruits, including Australia all-rounder Glenn Maxwell and New Zealand pacer Kyle Jamieson, the franchise will hope to battle hard in their bid for the elusive IPL trophy. Balance issues in the squad, injuries and over reliance on skipper Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers marred RCB’s chances to win the title last season. Off to a brilliant start, they ran out of steam towards the fag end of the tournament, losing five in a row to bow out in the Eliminator. Having released 10 players ahead of the auction, the team management focussed on strengthening the batting and pace bowling units. Here is a complete SWOT Analysis of the Royal Challengers Bangalore squad for IPL 2021.
Strengths:
The real strength of Royal Challengers Bangalore lies in their power packed batting line that boasts of the likes of Virat Kohli, AB de Villiers, Glenn Maxwell, Devdutt Padikkal, Finn Allen and Dan Christian. RCB have one of the strongest batting line-up among all the teams in IPL 2021. Run-machine Kohli, who enjoys an impressive record as an opener in the league, has already confirmed that he will be opening the innings. Partnering Kohli will be the highly-talented Devdutt Padikkal who impressed everyone last season and is in red-hot form. Young wicketkeeper-batsman Mohammad Azharuddeen, who had a staggering strike-rate of 194.54 in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, and New Zealand’s Finn Allen are other attacking options at the top. De Villiers and Maxwell add the fire-power to the middle-order while Sachin Baby, experienced Daniel Christian and Washington Sundar add to the depth.
RCB possess a potent spin attack with the Indian spinner duo of Yuzuvendra Chahal and Washington Sundar. The two will have assistance from Maxwell, who consistently bowls for Australia in white-ball cricket and in the Big Bash League, while Australian Adam Zampa is another available leg spin option.
Weakness:
The biggest weakness of Royal Challengers Bangalore is their inexperienced fast bowling attack. India pacers Navdeep Saini and Md Siraj are yet to cement their places in the white ball side. They both lack the experience of bowling with the white ball and have a propensity of leaking runs. The franchise has spent a hefty amount in bringing Kyle Jamieson but the tall New Zealander has struggled in T20Is and has no experience of playing in India. Australian trio of Dan Christian, Daniel Sams and Kane Richardson also do not share much experience of bowling on Indian wickets.
Opportunity:
The IPL 2021 could create a huge opportunity for young Devdutt Padikkal. The 20 year old has been in tremendous form in the recently concluded Vijay Hazare Trophy. Padikkal showed glimpses of how useful he can be at the top. He will once again have the opportunity to give RCB a blazing start. The biggest advantage for him is he will have the backing of his captain Virat Kohli. With Kohli, AB, Maxwell in the middle order, Padikkal can play with more freedom. With the T20 World Cup later in the year, a tremendous IPL 2021 might perhaps open the doors of national selection. Uncapped Mohammad Azharuddeen and Sachin Baby will also be keen to grab the opportunities.
Threats:
The form of Glenn Maxwell is definitely going to be a major concern. If the hard hitting Aussie goes through a slum like last season, it could have disastrous consequences for the side. Maxwell has been added to the squad to lend solidity in the middle order. The think tank will be wary about the form of the Australian all rounder who has been a proven match winner for his country.
Key Players:
Virat Kohli, AB de Villiers, Glenn Maxwell, Washington Sundar and Md Siraj
Full squad of Royal Challengers Bangalore for IPL 2021:
Virat Kohli (c), AB de Villiers, Devdutt Padikkal, Yuzvendra Chahal, Mohammed Siraj, Kane Richardson, Washington Sundar, Pavan Deshpande, Finn Allen, Shahbaz Ahamad, Navdeep Saini, Adam Zampa, Kyle Jamieson, Glenn Maxwell, Rajat Patidar, Sachin Baby, Mohammed Azharuddeen, Daniel Christian, KS Bharat, Suyash Prabhudessai, Daniel Sams, Harshal Patel.
