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The Ideal XI RCB Must Target For IPL 2021 If There Is No Mega-Auction

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Mitchell Starc and Matthew Wade IPL 2021
Photo Source: Twitter

Despite making it to the playoffs, RCB would still be unconvinced about their show in 2020. Although the bowling looked better, the batsman failed to live up to the expectations in the second half. The franchise might have liked a mega-auction, but with that possibility ruled out, the management must try to plug the gaps in the current setup.

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If you see it that way, RCB does not have a lot to ponder about for the upcoming season. The existing squad does boast some four to five very good cricketers, and it is just the matter of upgrading a few slots and having more options for others. On that note, here is a look at the ideal XI Mike Hesson and co. must target for IPL 2021.

Openers: Devdutt Padikkal and Ajinkya Rahane

Devdutt Padikkal is the future of this franchise, and after a stellar show in IPL 2020, he is certain to keep his place next season as well. However, the concern will be regarding his partner. Aaron Finch was under-par in UAE, and considering IPL 2021 would mostly take place in India, choosing a domestic partner for DDP might be a good idea. With a lack of opportunities at DC, Ajinkya Rahane could do well at a team like RCB. He is composed and could do a good supporting job for Virat and ABD. His leadership skills would also be extremely useful.

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Backups: Aaron Finch and Yashasvi Jaiswal

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Middle-Order: Virat Kohli (C), AB de Villiers and Matthew Wade (WK)

Yuzvendra Chahal and AB de Villiers
Photo: Yuzvendra Chahal /Instagram

To provide more balance to the unit, RCB must have ABD at No.5 and should play an attacking player at No.4. This way, the pressure will reduce on ABD, and Virat can also get his time to get used to the pitch. We feel Matthew Wade could perform that role. In the recent series against India, the player was in fine form. He looks prepared for an outing in IPL. His presence would also allow ABD to take up a fielding position in the outfield. RCB can plan some Indian backups like Karun Nair and Hanuma Vihari too.

Backups: Karun Nair and Hanuma Vihari

All-Rounders: Shivam Dube, Chris Morris and Washington Sundar

We believe that RCB must give more one more season for their all-rounders to step up. In tandem, this trio did look threatening on a couple of games last season. While Washington’s powerplay effort was unmissable, Morris’ impact as the team’s lead pacer was massive. Both these gentlemen must now work towards contributing more with the bat for the franchise. For Shivam Dube, the upcoming season will be a crucial one. He must deliver at all costs if he has to remain in the squad. This could as well spur him to do better for the franchise. Guys like K Gowtham and Cameroon Green can also be useful in the roster.

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Backups: Cameroon Green, Moeen Ali and K Gowtham

Bowlers: Mitchell Starc, Yuzvendra Chahal and Navdeep Saini

If Mitchell Starc makes himself available for next season, RCB must go all out for him. In the past, the Aussie did well in the camp, and with his form still the same, RCB must re-hire him to add spunk to their bowling unit. He and Morris together will make RCB have one of the best pace-bowling units in the tournament. Yuzvendra Chahal is obviously the primary wicket-taking option for RCB. He will yet again form an important component in the team. Coming to the domestic pace department, RCB must stick with Saini for next season. Siraj can be the backup, and another young bowler like Prasidh Krishna or Akash Singh can also be hired.

Backups: Mohammed Siraj, and Kane Richardson