Despite reaching the playoffs, Royal Challengers Bangalore were unconvincing this season. Although the way they began the tournament was impressive, the performance in the latter-half was poor. However, overall, there was an improvement from the previous seasons.
A major reason for RCB’s indifferent performance was directly related to the form of some of their players. Barring Virat, AB, Chahal, and Padikkal, everyone else was inconsistent. The disappointing fact was that some of the senior and established players were not up to the mark.
RCB would release some of these players for sure. However, we feel that a few such players might find it difficult to find a franchise next season. Their displays were poor, and this is the reason for their downfall.
1. Umesh Yadav
He just played a few games, but Umesh Yadav had a forgettable campaign in 2020. He never looked comfortable and was often caught straying off his lines. The experienced campaigner also did not show any intent of improving his bowling. Add to this the rise of Siraj during the powerplay, Umesh could not find a way back to the XI. Considering he is one of the experienced pacers in the tournament, this show by him was unexpected. A lot of other teams might stay away from the Nagpur-based cricketer. They would instead invest in rookie talents who have the same attributes as Umesh.
2. Dale Steyn
There were a lot of expectations around Dale Steyn this season. However, the veteran South African disappointed big time. Not only he went mostly wicketless, but the pacer also leaked runs consistently. The energy and intensity that is associated with Steyn’s bowling were lacking. It might be a case of age catching upon him. With so many things going against him, most teams would not be willing to allot one overseas slot to Steyn. Hence, that could also mean that Steyn might not play IPL cricket again.
3. Isuru Udana
Isuru Udana was branded to be a T20 specialist before the tournament started. However, his performance in IPL 2020 was too plain, and did not prove worthy of an overseas cricketer. He did have a couple of variations, but most of it was negated with bad balls very often. Hence, in most of the games, his bowling figures looked poor. Although he did not get to do much with his batting, in the opportunities he got, Udana was again very plain. Teams might still be interested, but only if he pulls up his socks and puts on better shows in the upcoming tournaments.
4. Gurkeerat Singh Mann
Gurkeerat Singh Mann tested the patience of RCB fans in IPL 2020. Last year, he was good, and hence, if not like ABD or Virat, Gurkeerat was expected to at least be average in the competition. However, the Punjab cricketer looked extremely rusty and often failed to show intent. In many games when RCB lost quick wickets, Gurkeerat had the opportunity to prove himself. However, thanks to his colorless batting, most of these chances were blown away. In turn, RCB lost many games due to their batting.
5. Aaron Finch
A guy like Aaron Finch in this list can seem out of place. But, speaking frankly, Finch deserves punishment for putting on a dim show in IPL 2020. When a debutante player was firing at the opposite end, Finch just could not construct a decent score. He was severely exposed outside his off-stump, and most of Finch’s shots were to make sure he was not getting bowled or LBW due to this weakness. Yes, in India, Finch could be reliable, but yet, it has been too long since the Aussie has fired in the competition. Hence, it would be better off if teams stay away from him next season.
