Last Updated on 6 years by Charbel Coorey
Can RCB win IPL 2019? Will RCB win IPL 2019?
Royal Challengers Bangalore, IPL’s perennial underachievers, gear up for another campaign. They have been a let down time and time again, with the latest campaign one where they missed out on the playoffs. RCB had to beat Rajasthan Royals, who were without their star man Jos Buttler, to qualify. Virat Kohli’s men were poor, losing the game, and justifying why many believe they just can’t deliver when it counts.
It’s amazing to think that this is the case. They have had one of the best squads on paper year on year. Virat Kohli has been there from the beginning. AB de Villiers since not long after. Kevin Pietersen, Chris Gayle and Brendon McCullum were around, too. Bowling has always been their weakness, but it is not as if they have had rubbish for 12 years. Mitchell Starc, Anil Kumble, Daniel Vettori and Zaheer Khan have lined up for one of IPL’s most exciting franchises. Yet, there are no titles to show heading into IPL’s 12th edition.
As a result, RCB is often my little punching bag on Twitter. When there is a joke to be made, RCB often bears the brunt of it, such is the level of underachievement. However, will IPL 2019 be different? Will it be the time RCB finally lift the trophy for the first time?
Below are my key strengths and weaknesses of RCB, as well as my verdict as to whether they can go all the way in IPL 2019.
Also read: 5 big predictions for IPL 2019
RCB Strengths
1. Unbelievable top order
Show the RCB batting lineup to someone who is new to IPL, and they will fall in love. Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers are two of the best white-ball batsman to ever play the game.
Actually, they are two of the best batsmen to ever play the game, full stop.
They will be crucial again, but RCB do have potential for this season to not be one where a top-heavy line up costs them. Shimron Hetmyer, the Windies’ excitement machine, joins the side. Colin de Grandhomme is a power hitter in the middle order. Moeen Ali, at his best, can contribute. Marcus Stoinis will join the team after Australia’s series vs Pakistan in the UAE, and can be a weapon. Uncapped Indian Shivam Dube shot to fame by hitting five sixes in a row in the Ranji Trophy.
The talent is there, but delivering consistently will be key. Can they avoid the really bad days?
2. All-rounders
Marcus Stoinis, Colin de Grandhomme, Moeen Ali and Nathan Coulter-Nile can each deliver significant contributions throughout the season. Even young-gun Washington Sundar can wield the willow.
Also read: MRF Chase Master or Dwayne Bravo DSC? Top 10 Cricket Bats of 2019!
RCB’s big problem in the past has been their team balance. With players in their squad who can bat and bowl, team balance improves somewhat as a result. I see this is an improvement on previous years for RCB.
3. Yuzvendra Chahal
In Chahal, RCB possess one of the world’s best wristspinners in white-ball cricket.
He didn’t have his best performance in IPL 2018, taking 12 wickets in 14 games at an economy rate of 7.26. However, he has largely been excellent for India when given the chance, including 6/42 vs Australia at the MCG earlier this year and nine wickets in the recent ODI series in New Zealand.
If RCB’s seamers can set up a good platform, Chahal will be a dangerous prospect for any opponent.
RCB Weaknesses
1. Lack of bowling depth
It has haunted them for years, and could haunt them again. While RCB’s batting on paper looks magnificent, their bowling doesn’t, raising concerns of their ability to deliver.
Umesh Yadav was outstanding in the powerplay overs in IPL 2018. However, the death overs were another story. It has been the case with Yadav for his entire career, with inconsistency stopping him from going to the next level. Nathan Coulter-Nile is an impact player, but is prone to injuries, and Tim Southee has been in and out of the New Zealand white-ball side in recent times. Southee needs to be much better than he was last season, where he took five wickets at 52 a piece, whilst going for nine an over.
If RCB are required to dig into their bowling resources, what will they find Kulwant Khejroliya is inexperienced and Mohammad Siraj is expensive. Colin de Grandhomme is a very capable red-ball bowler, but teams will fancy their chances against him here. In a competitive league, RCB’s bowling has to be on point and they can’t afford any injuries, which you can’t count on to happen.
2. Dependence on Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers
Yes, I did mention that RCB’s batting has some good depth to it. However, there is no doubt that much still depends on the two greats – AB de Villiers and Virat Kohli. With Hetmyer and Shivam Dube’s youth, Colin de Grandhomme’s tendency to be hit-and-miss, Marcus Stoinis’ unavailability early and Heinrich Klaasen’s struggles in India in the past, RCB still need at least one of these two champions to have a good day. If both fail, I can’t see them winning matches.
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3. History of underachievement
This one is a weakness. It is a mental battle with RCB as much as it is a battle with the opposition.
As a franchise with incredible riches and excitement, it is incredible to think RCB have under-delivered time and time again. So, can they handle the pressure when called upon? They weren’t able to against Rajasthan Royals last season, and also in seasons previous. Despite their strong batting on paper, they have often been a let down when it mattered most.
It remains to be seen if they can overcome the pressure this season. One thing is for sure, though, pundits and fans alike will always be keeping in mind RCB’s ability to let down at the crucial moments. Will RCB’s players have this at the back of their mind, too?
Verdict: RCB 2019
The talent is there, especially with the bat. However, the lack of depth with the ball, as well as the history of underachievement can be too big of a burden to handle for RCB in 2019.
I have picked them to finish just outside the top four this season, but I would not be surprised if they make the playoffs. However, I will be surprised if they win the tournament. For me, going all the way in a very competitive league will prove one or two steps too far for Virat Kohli’s men.
Thanks for reading!
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Can RCB win IPL 2019? Will RCB win IPL 2019?
