IPL 2022:RCB team analysis ahead for new IPL season

RCB Team Analysis ahead of IPL

SWOT analysis

RCB as always looks strong on paper but will they be able to finally translate it to an IPL trophy under the new leadership of Faf du Plessis? Here’s a SWOT analysis of the new RCB squad for IPL 2022.

Strengths of RCB

1. STRONG BOWLING ATTACK: For the first time RCB’s strength is going to be it’s bowling attack. They have a dynamic international pace attack in Siraj, Hazelwood, Harshal, Willey, Behrendorff, Sid Kaul and a well rounded spin attack in Hasaranga, Shabaaz, Karn, Maxwell and Lomror.
2. SOLID OVERSEAS BACKUPS: RCB have ensured they have a backup for every overseas player. Fin Allen for Faf at the top, Rutherford for Maxwell in the middle, Willey for Hasaranga as the allrounder, Behrendorff for Hazelwood as the fast bowler.
3. SPECIALIST FINISHER: After long time RCB have a proven finisher in Dinesh Karthik.
4. ABUNDANCE OF ALLROUNDERS: This time RCB have a plethora of allrounders in Maxwell, Hasaranga, Harshal, Willey, Rutherford, Shahbaz, Lomror, etc. all with varied skillsets.

Weaknesses of RCB

1. LACK OF INDIAN BATSMEN: Apart from Kohli and DK, RCB don’t have proven Indian batsmen. They have bestowed faith on youngsters like Anuj Rawat and Mahipal Lomror who are likely to slot into the regular XI even though they don’t have enough IPL experience.
2. OVER RELIANCE ON HASARANGA: They have paid big bucks for him and have preferred him over Chahal. He is the only frontline spinner in the squad. Add to the fact that he will have to contribute with the bat as well on a regular basis.
3. SHORT SIGHTED APPROACH: Though RCB have a lot of young talent in the squad their leadership core comprises of players who are towards the end of their careers. While most of the teams have their succession plans in place RCB are clearly thinking about the present which shows their eagerness to win the trophy as soon as possible without caring much about the future which is a double edged sword approach.

Opportunities of RCB

1. MAKE OR BREAK YEAR FOR HASARANGA: He has the potential to do to RCB what Rashid Khan did to SRH. Last season he was just a backup option but now he’s the spearhead.
2. PACE TRIO AT THEIR PEAK: The trio of Hazelwood, Siraj and Harshal are at the peak of their white ball careers and could be the pace attack that RCB have been waiting for.
3. RISE OF INDIAN YOUNGSTERS: Anuj Rawat and Mahipal Lomror are two highly rated domestic cricketers who did not get enough chances at RR. Now at RCB they have the chance to showcase their potential. Shahbaz Ahmed is another such youngster with immense potential who can have a breakout season in his second year at RCB.
4. FRINGE PLAYERS ON THE BRINK: Willey, Finn Allen, Rutherford and Behrendorff are players on the brink of becoming regulars of their respective national teams. RCB could be the perfect launchpad for them to shine.

Threats of RCB

1. ORGANIC TRANSITION: No matter how much Virat runs away from leadership roles in this stage of his career, he will be the face of RCB both for the fans and the franchise itself. So it remains to be seen if the new leadership core will still revolve around Kohli or work independent from him and liberate him from all duties.
2. START OF A NEW ERA: RCB will never be the same without ABD and Chahal and Virat as captain, Padikkal too even though he played for a short while had quickly been associated as the future face of the franchise. So without all this RCB will have to rebrand themselves which will be a challenge.
3. PURPLE PATEL PHENOMENON: It needs to be seen if Harshal was just a flash in the pan or is really the death bowler RCB always wanted. Also it will be a challenge for him to be effective in the flat pitches of Mumbai which won’t grip as much as the pitches in UAE.

Ideal XI for RCB when all players are available

• Faf du Plessis (c)
• Anuj Rawat
• Virat Kohli
• Glenn Maxwell
• Mahipal Lomror
• Dinesh Karthik (wk)
• Wanindu Hasaranga
• Shahbaaz Ahmed
• Harshal Patel
• Josh Hazlewood
• Mohammad Siraj