Royal Challengers Bangalore had a confusing campaign in IPL 2020. While they began well, in the latter stages, the squad threw up a few flop displays. Whether they improved from the previous seasons or not, it’s a difficult thing to say.
Nevertheless, there were a few positives for them this season. While the emergence of Devdutt Padikkal was a big plus point, the enhanced combined bowling performances was another. A better show from the back-room staff was also visible in this edition.
If a mega-auction does take place, RCB would be quite happy. The squad has a decent core, and with this in place, the focus can shift to the well-roundedness of the unit at the auctions. On that note, here are five players RCB must target to retain if there is a mega-auction in 2021.
1. Virat Kohli
Of course, he takes up one slot. He is the captain of the country’s cricket team and is also the poster-boy of the game on the global level. Let alone the on-field performances, Virat Kohli is a must if RCB needs to earn from sponsorships and advertisements. There is no chance that they would let go of him as he is the face of the franchise. Virat would also look to fulfill the urge for a trophy as he steps into the last few years of his career.
2. AB de Villiers
It might be the last time that RCB would get to retain AB de Villiers. A brilliant presence in the squad, if not for ABD, RCB would have hardly won any games in the last few seasons. Despite his age, AB is fit and raring, and for what he brings to the team, RCB can consider itself damn lucky. In IPL 2020, AB also kept wickets, and that would help the balance of the franchise. Although they might still target a keeper at the coming auctions, the assurance that AB is willing to take the gloves would help the management.
3. Yuzvendra Chahal
Is Yuzi worth the 7 or 8 crores that are necessary to retain him? Can he be brought at a lower price at the auctions? These questions would be running in the minds of Mike Hesson and Simon Katich as they sit down to discuss retainments for IPL 2021. Well, we feel Yuzi must be retained. He is a clear match-winner and has the ability to impact games from any situation. His experience will also come in handy, and with the next IPL to be held in India, Yuzi’s wizardry at the Chinnaswamy is very much necessary. It might not be a bad idea if RCB even groom him for the vice-captaincy in the upcoming season.
4. Washington Sundar
Washington Sundar was absolutely brilliant in IPL 2020. His bowling during the power play was one of the highlights of the season. Although he could have done better with the bat, there is definitely a lot of potential in this aspect too. To top it all, Washi is extremely young and is already the owner of a good amount of experience with the Indian Team. He is a guy for the future, and RCB must make sure he does not go out of their hands. For sure, if he comes into the auctions, there would be a bidding war. It is better if RCB retains him, and makes the Tamil Nadu player a decisive part of the team’s core.
5. Devdutt Padikkal
If RCB does retain an uncapped player, it has to be Devdutt Padikkal. The youngster topped his team’s batting charts in the season where he made his debut. As the pundits pointed out, there is something special about this man that could help him go a long way in his career. A maximum of INR 4 crores is required to retain a rookie cricketer, and if Devdutt is in the auctions, he would surely go above this amount. This logical explanation should be enough for RCB to make a decision about the 20-year-old.
