Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) strategically approached the IPL 2024 auction, making additions to their squad with the inclusion of six players. However, despite the new acquisitions, the team faced challenges in fortifying their spin-bowling department, which remains a significant concern for the upcoming season. The trio of Harshal Patel, Wanindu Hasaranga, and Josh Hazlewood, who were instrumental in taking wickets in the past seasons, was released, leaving Mohammed Siraj as the sole reputable Indian pacer.

The top five positions in the playing XI seem settled, with Dinesh Karthik as the specialist keeper at seven. However, the remaining slots are subject to debate and likely to be filled by players who prove their suitability for the team.

The lack of quality spinners is acknowledged as a major drawback for RCB, making their auction performance less favorable, according to experts. Despite having a considerable budget of over 23 crores, the team failed to secure a reputed Indian or overseas spinner.

See Also:IPL 2024: Best Playing XI for Chennai Super Kings (CSK) Post Mini Auction

The potential playing XI for RCB in IPL 2024 features:

1. Faf du Plessis (C): Opening the batting, du Plessis, the second-highest run-scorer in IPL 2023, with 730 runs in 14 matches, needs to replicate his performance as a key top-order batter.
2. Virat Kohli: Opening alongside du Plessis, Kohli enters IPL 2024 in prime form, having set batting records, including his 50th ODI ton in the World Cup.
3. Rajat Patidar: Slotting in at three, Patidar, who missed IPL 2023 due to injury concerns, aims to build on his impressive IPL 2022 performance and recent India debut.
4. Glenn Maxwell: Batting at four, Maxwell has been a revelation for RCB, contributing significantly in IPL 2021. He is also one of the two specialist spinners in the XI.
5. Cameron Green: The specialist all-rounder, traded from Mumbai Indians, adds depth to the RCB lineup, and his promising future with the franchise is highlighted.
6. Suyash Prabhudessai: Prabhudessai, known for his brilliant fielding skills, can slot in at six, showcasing his ability to strike the ball effectively down the order.
7. Dinesh Karthik (WK): Karthik, at seven, serves as the specialist finisher in the side, bringing his experience and a career strike rate of 132.71.
8. Karn Sharma: The specialist leg-spinner, with experience across multiple IPL teams, including MI, CSK, and SRH, takes the spin-bowling responsibilities, having taken 10 wickets in seven matches last season.
9. Lockie Ferguson: As one of the three specialist pacers, Ferguson, in his fourth IPL team, adds pace to the attack, aiming to make a significant impact.
10. Alzarri Joseph: Secured for 11.50 crores, Joseph, known for his pace, joins RCB as one of the specialist pacers, having played for the Titans in IPL 2022 and 2023.
11. Reece Topley: The England pacer concludes RCB’s likely strongest playing XI for IPL 2024, aiming to contribute with his skills after recovering from a finger injury.

Impact Sub: Yash Dayal: Dayal, known for his left-arm bowling, can serve as the impact sub, having played his maiden IPL season with Gujarat Titans and being roped in by RCB for 5 crores.

Despite the challenges, RCB aims to field a competitive XI for IPL 2024, leveraging the strengths of its top-order batsmen and pace bowling contingent while hoping for impactful performances from the spinners in the squad.

RCB FULL SQUAD IPL 2024

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