Royal Challengers Bengaluru will enter the IPL mini auction with ₹16.4 crore. They have retained 17 players ahead of this mini auction. The challenge is to acquire the remaining players while keeping this core team intact. Which players might RCB lean towards?
Here are the details-
RCB's biggest need is a foreign pacer who can perform at a world-class level in matches and support Josh Hazlewood and Nuwan Thushara.
It's clear that a bowler's pace should be over 145 kilometres per hour. Additionally, he should be able to bowl in the powerplay and middle overs. This would give Hazlewood support on Bengaluru's flat pitches.
Their preference in this position could be Anrich Nortje. He was with the Delhi Capitals last season. He has long experience playing cricket. Along with his pace, his variations are important. He also bowls aggressively.
Besides this, Gerald Coetzee and Mustafizur Rahman are also on their radar. Coetzee has played as Hazlewood's backup. On the other hand, Mustafizur bowls well in death overs.
They can rely on an Indian for middle-order batting and match finishing. In this case, a player from domestic cricket could be the preference. Additionally, it needs to be seen that the player can play spin well.
Venkatesh can't forget KKR
The first name in this case could be Venkatesh Iyer. He couldn't perform well playing for KKR last season. But he has proven his ability. He can also bowl when needed. His base price this time is ₹2 crore.
RCB might step back from Venkatesh Iyer for this money. In that case, Mahipal Lomror is a good alternative. This left-handed all-rounder can steady the team in the middle overs and can also bowl leg spin. Prithvi Shaw is the last option.
RCB needs to strengthen the spin department. Wanindu Hasaranga is there as a spinner. He is a world-class spinner. For taking wickets in the middle overs, RCB might lean towards Ravi Bishnoi.
RCB has released Liam Livingstone this time. The foreign all-rounder position is vacant. Given Livingstone's form, RCB might bring him back again. Otherwise, to support Krunal Pandya, they might take Mitchell Bracewell.
