The commencement of the IPL 2023 is planned for March 31, 2023, with the Chennai Super Kings and Gujarat Titans competing in the opening match. The Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) will play their first game on April 2, 2023, in Bangalore against the Mumbai Indians (MI).
Throughout the IPL 2022 season, the Royal Challengers Bangalore squad adopted a steady approach to their starting lineup and implemented minimal changes. It is predicted that the team from Bangalore will continue with a comparable approach in the upcoming season. Although they possess a formidable squad, there is a possibility that some of their players may depart from RCB after the IPL 2023.
1. Dinesh Karthik
Dinesh Karthik has currently transitioned into being a commentator. With his focus on this new role, he is expected to make a decision regarding his cricketing career after the conclusion of IPL 2023. It’s worth noting that he’s not currently active in domestic cricket, and his international career has come to an end. Therefore, IPL 2023 could serve as an important milestone for him to reflect on his cricketing journey and determine the future course of his career.
2. Karn Sharma
Karn Sharma made a name for himself as a player to watch during the 2013 IPL season while playing for the Sunrisers Hyderabad team. With 11 wickets and an economy rate of 6.60 in 13 games, his performance was impressive. Since then, he has been a consistent participant in the IPL and has had a decent career as a bowler. He has played in 68 IPL matches, taking 59 wickets and maintaining an economy rate of 7.91. In the 2022 mega auction, he was picked up by the Royal Challengers Bangalore to bolster their spin department, and he is expected to play a crucial role for RCB in the upcoming IPL 2023 season.
3. Finn Allen
Finn Allen has been a part of the Royal Challengers team since 2021, but he hasn’t played a single match in the IPL yet. Despite his increasing popularity in the T20 format, it seems improbable that he will secure a spot in RCB’s starting lineup for the upcoming season. It’s likely that he will be kept on the bench for the entirety of the 16th IPL edition and may depart from the team at the end of the season.
4. Anuj Rawat
The RCB team management had a strong desire to include Anuj Rawat in the playing XI along with Faf Du Plessis, and they supported this decision for about 8 to 9 matches. This strategy proved fruitful during the early stages of the tournament as Anuj displayed excellent form, delivering his signature cover drives and handling short balls adeptly. But Anuj encountered some difficulties in the last few games, leading to his replacement by Rajat Patidar. Consequently, Rawat may depart from RCB after IPL 2023, as Patidar has taken his place in the team.
5. Siddarth Kaul
During the final game of the season, the RCB management decided to select Siddarth Kaul in place of Mohammad Siraj. However, Kaul’s performance was not up to par, as he conceded 43 runs in his allotted four overs and failed to secure any wickets. Additionally, Kaul’s age is not in his favor, as fast bowlers typically have a limited period of effectiveness until the age of 34 or 35, and Kaul is already 33 years old. Therefore, IPL 2023 may be his final season with RCB.
