The Royal Challengers Bangalore are known to be heavy spenders in every auction. They ensure that their purses are let loose and no stone is kept unturned to make a solid and feared squad. The biggest names of world cricket make their way to the franchise and they have had the record for paying the highest amounts for players in auctions.
With AB de Villiers taking retirement for all forms of cricket and the mega auction up in 2022, RCB will have formed a team from scratch. They need to ensure that they cover their bases well. An oft-repeated complaint against RCB has been their haphazard buying in auctions which leads to their team not looking balanced. We look at 5 options that RCB can target to ensure their bases are covered.
1. Anrich Nortje
The South African has risen in the cricketing world with great speed. His rise to the top has matched his speed of bowling. He performed for the Delhi Capitals in the 2020 and 2021 seasons has been spectacular. He has been instrumental in helping them reach the knockouts. His speeds of 150 plus also make him a rare commodity. Nortje teaming up with Rabada from the other end has paid dividends to Delhi Capitals. We are sure his recent eye-catching performances in the IPL, international cricket and 2021 T20 world cup will land him a big paycheque with the RCB.
2. Michael Neser
The little-known Australian pacer is a surprise package. He has made a huge name for himself in the Big Bash and Sheffield Shield. he has 75 T20 wickets to his name and is a handy batsman down the order. His recent performances have been rewarded by the Australian selectors by giving him an Ashes call-up. He can add the much-needed express pace in the RCB camp which once his countryman, Mitchell Starc added.
3. Devon Conway
The New Zealander went unsold in the 2020 auctions and it came as a shocker. His strike rate and average in T20Is suggest what a blunder that 2020 decision was. He averages over 50 at a strike rate of 140. He has been a brilliant performer for the Kiwis in the past one year and RCB can look at him to solve their opening woes. It will give Kohli a solid batting option at the top of the order.
4. Jonny Bairstow
Arguably the best white-ball cricketer in recent times, Bairstow shall set the auctions on fire. He has been instrumental in revolutionizing T20I and ODI cricket for England. Even when playing for SRH, his strike rate is off the roof at 142. He also averages 41 for them. He has also proven his consistency and big-hitting capabilities. He can be looked at by the RCB management as a replacement for AB who retired recently.
5. Wanindu Hasaranga
The Sri Lankan has proved to be one of the most versatile spinners in T20 cricket in the world currently. Hasaranga was the highest wicket-taker of the tournament with 16 scalps in the just-concluded ICC T20 world cup 2021. In the series against India as well, he troubled the Indian batsmen enough, and not leaking runs is his biggest strength. He can form a great camaraderie with Chahal and form the spin duo for the franchise.
