A few days ago, BCCI confirmed that IPL 2021 would continue in UAE from September-October. Due to the close proximity to World T20, it is being reported that a few overseas players might pull out. While Ashley Giles has himself said that English players may not be given NOC, it is also said that the Kiwis might withdraw. In this scenario, let’s have a look at RCB’s playing XI for the second phase of IPL 2021.
The Bengaluru outfit started IPL 2021 on a good note with five wins from seven games. They had previously done well in UAE in IPL 2020. Hence, they will be high on confidence for the remaining games of IPL 2021.
Openers for this RCB’s Playing XI: Devdutt Padikkal and Virat Kohli
The opening combination will remain the same for RCB. Barring the game against Rajasthan Royals, the duo has not combined well together. However, individually, they have been contributing at the top in their own way. RCB will need Virat Kohli to fire in the second phase of IPL 2021. This could help them arrest their batting issues that crop up now and then. DDP must continue his form in IPL at UAE for his franchise.
Middle-Order: Rajat Patidar, Glenn Maxwell and AB de Villiers (WK)
RCB is likely to persist with a similar middle-order for the remaining games of IPL 2021. At No.3, Rajat Patidar is likely to get a few more games. Moreover, the conditions at UAE could suit his batting style, and he could be looking forward to the challenge. Maxwell and ABD will continue to operate at the core of this middle-order. The duo did well in the first phase of IPL, and the expectation will be that they will continue batting at the same intensity for the remaining games of IPL 2021.
All-Rounders for this RCB’s Playing XI: Washington Sundar, Dan Christian and Daniel Sams
This is one department where RCB struggled in the first part of IPL 2021. While Washi and Sams were okay with the ball, they just could not contribute with the bat. Christian, though, was poor in the first phase of the competition. With Kyle Jamieson missing out, this trio must contribute in both departments of the game for RCB to go far in the competition. Otherwise, RCB may change the combination a bit by utilizing the likes of Shahbaz Ahmad in the XI.
Bowlers: Harshal Patel, Mohammed Siraj and Yuzvendra Chahal
RCB surprisingly did well with the ball in IPL 2021. Harshal Patel, who currently holds the Purple Cap, and Mohammed Siraj must be credited for this inspired bowling show. The duo should maintain the same confidence in the remaining games of IPL 2021. This will help them rise in their individual careers. Harshal Patel could also be tasked with more batting responsibility in UAE. Yuzvendra Chahal did not look at his best in IPL 2021. He will have to pull his socks up so that he does not miss out on the World T20.
