Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) have been one of the most celebrated IPL teams. They have a huge fanbase. However, the one regret each and every RCB fan would have is that they still haven’t won a single title. Despite having the best of the best for them over the years, they still haven’t won the IPL even once. RCB were good in IPL 2020 and preformed better than their performances in IPL 2017,18 and 19. After reaching the playoffs last year, RCB fans would hope that they do better and win the title. Can RCB win IPL 2021?

 

RCB’s Auction tactics this year were bizarre to say the least. RCB decided to release Chris Morris ahead of the auction though he had a good impact for them with the new ball and in the death overs in IPL 2020. They spent a lot of money for the big names like Maxwell and New Zealand sensation Kyle Jamieson in the IPL auction 2021. While Jamieson hasn’t had much exposure of the shortest format of the game, Maxwell has been one of the greatest T20I cricketers of this era and would look to improve his IPL record, prove his critics wrong and have a good season. Indians captain Virat Kohli will be leading RCB this time as well. . He is the highest run-scorer in history of the league with 5878 runs overall. He can take the team home on his own and has shown already how lethal he can be in the T20 format. All he needs is a good team. Like every year, he’ll have the services of his loyal RCb ally AB De Villiers. He has won many matches for RCB on his own and his wide range of shots is unbelievable. His fielding is so good that it is hard for Kohli to keep him behind the stumps for the team balance. The presence of Devilliers can be a great addition to have for Kohli in the RCB team. RCB made some smart buys in the form of Dan Christian, who is a very impactful T20 cricketers.

 

RCB’s lower middle order might not be the strongest there is but they’re still decent. Maxwell and Christian are good finishers and Washington’s batting has been on the rise. Besides, all RCB need is to ensure that one of Kohli, ABD or Maxwell stick to the end. Like every year, RCB’s weak link is their death bowling. Jamieson hasn’t shown any signs of being a good death bowler and Kane Richardson hasn’t been in the form of late. A lot will depend on Saini at the death. Their spin attack looks good though. With the presence of spinners like Washington Sundar, Yuzvendra Chahal and even Adam Zampa, their spin attack looks sorted. If RCB can somehow find a way to fix their death bowling then there’s no reason why they can’t win the IPL this time around.

By Arvind Krishnan

Cricket writer, statistician and analyst. An unorthodox media student, marketing runs in his blood. Sports Marketer and analyst.