IPL 2024 Royal Challengers Bangalore Season Preview: Pressure of Expectations and Glaring Holes in a Batting-heavy RCB Side

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With the women’s team securing the title, RCB will have to deal with the pressure of expectations and find ways to work around their shortcomings for IPL 2024.

Royal Challengers Bangalore Team Preview IPL 2024: As the 2024 season rolls around the corner, the Royal Challengers Bangalore aims to go after the title once again to end the long-standing title drought. The women’s side has paved the way with the recent title victory in the Women’s Premier League 2024, and the pressure is now on the boys in red.

RCB has some glaring holes that need to be addressed to have a successful campaign. One of the biggest weaknesses this season is the lack of a specialist wicket-taking spinner. The responsibility now lies with Glenn Maxwell, Mayank Dagar, and others to lead the spin-bowling department.

Similar to their previous seasons, they have an all-star batting line-up that starts right at the very top. Faf du Plessis will be looking to get back in the runs like he did last year, and Virat Kohli is expected to hit the ground running as the opening pair could have a big say in how the side performs.

Follow all the action from IPL 2024, including the IPL 2024 Schedule and IPL 2024 Points Table. Also, check Players vying for IPL 2024 Orange Cap and IPL 2024 Purple Cap

Additionally, they have also spent a lot of money acquiring the services of all-rounder Cameron Green, who has been a revelation in the IPL. While the rest of the batting order remains the same, it is unclear as to how the side will utilise the Australian. He has been mostly used at the top, and if the team were to go in a similar direction, it could mean that Rajat Patidar could get demoted to number four. Dinesh Karthik could look to see out his final season on a high, as he will be expected to get back to his best and be the finisher for the team.

Looking at team, the plan of action seems more or less simple. Go hard with the bat and hope to outplay the side with their monstrous batting unit.

RCB have a fair few options in terms of the pace attack, with Alzarri Joseph, Lockie Ferguson, and Reece Topley among the overseas players, along with Indian quicks like Mohammed Siraj, Akash Deep, Yash Dayal, and Vyshak Vijakumar. They could play around with their bowling combinations depending on the track, but it is important for the team to start strong.

With a fair few holes in the side, the pressure is on the big guns once again, as chances of qualification solely rely on their ability to deliver. With suitable conditions at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium, the batting heavy unit will have to score big in almost every game if they are to have a shot at the title.

How They Fared Last Time:

RCB missed out on a spot in the playoffs by finishing sixth on the points table with 14 points. Their seven wins and as many losses summarised their season, which lacked consistency and was overly reliant on the big names. Kohli, du Plessis, and Maxwell had fine seasons individually, but as a team, they really did not come together, and that has been the story for quite some time now.

Top Player(s) to Watch Out For

Virat Kohli: Regardless of the team he plays for, Kohli always will have a say in how the team performs. His ability to win games and chase down totals is something that is unmatched. The team will be banking on his performances with the bat at the top on a regular basis. If he is able to come anywhere close to his recent form across all formats, then RCB are in good hands and the Indian cricket fans will be at ease with the T20 World Cup coming up as well.

Cameron Green: The hard-hitting all-rounder will have much to contribute looking ahead of his first season in red. His big physique will be an ideal match for the small dimensions at the Chinnaswamy Stadium and will be expected to go hard from ball one. If he can produce a similar season like he did last year, RCB have got a fine batting option in their hands who can also chip in with a few overs as well. In his debut season, the right-hander finished with 452 runs while scoring at a strike-rate of 160.28 and averaging 50.22. The Australian will be a huge hit with the fans if he is able contribute with the bat.

Glenn Maxwell: The 360-degree batter will be expected to light up the stage once again with his uncanny ability to hit to all parts of the ground. The right-hander has been in fine form for quite some time now and will be expected to score big and score quick. Last year he had a fine season scoring 400 runs and will be expected to do more of the same. This season he could also be given some additional responsibility of bowling regularly with his off-spin considering the lack of spin options in the squad.

Strongest Playing XI

Faf du Plessis (c), Virat Kohli, Cameron Green, Rajat Patidar, Glenn Maxwell, Suyyash Prabhudessai, Mahipal Lomror, Dinesh Karthik, Mayank Dagar, Alzarri Joseph, Mohammed Siraj

Impact Sub: Vyshak Vijaykumar or Anuj Rawat

RCB Full Squad for IPL 2024:

Cameron Green, Virat Kohli, Alzarri Joseph, Glenn Maxwell, Faf du Plessis, Mohammed Siraj, Dinesh Karthik, Yash Dayal, Anuj Rawat, Will Jacks, Lockie Ferguson, Reece Topley, Mayank Dagar, Tom Curran, Mahipal Lomror, Rajan Kumar, Karn Sharma, Suyash Prabhudessai, Manoj Bhandage, Akash Deep, Saurav Chauhan, Himanshu Sharma, Swapnil Singh, Vyshak Vijaykumar, Rajat Patidar.