Royal Challengers Bangalore started IPL 2021 on a good note with five wins in seven games. The franchise also put up a decent performance in IPL 2020. The second leg of IPL 2021 would take place in UAE from September 19th. RCB will face KKR in their first game of the second phase. In this article, we take a look at the strongest RCB XI for the UAE leg of IPL 2021.
RCB made a slew of announcements before the second phase of IPL 2021. Wanindu Hasaranga, Dushmantha Chameera and Tim David will join the RCB camp in place of Adam Zampa, Daniel Sams and Finn Allen for the remaining fixtures.
Openers: Devdutt Padikkal and Virat Kohli (C)
Devdutt Padikkal and Virat Kohli will continue the open innings in the RCB XI for the UAE leg of IPL 2021. The duo combined well to win a few games for the franchise in the first phase. However, consistency was missing, and this is one aspect that DDP and Virat would like to improve. After the end of the first phase, Devdutt has made his India debut and will come into the tournament with more confidence. On the other hand, Virat must come to form as it will important to India’s World T20 campaign.
Middle-Order: Rajat Patidar, Glenn Maxwell, and AB de Villiers (WK)
Rajat Patidar, Glenn Maxwell and AB de Villiers will comprise the middle-order of the strongest possible RCB XI for the UAE leg of IPL 2021. Patidar did not do well in a few chances that he got but the player will be keen to improve. At least for the initial games, he could be backed by the management. RCB is also likely to experiment in this position. Maxwell and AB, though, were brilliant in the first phase of the tournament. They together carried the batting line-up of the franchise for a few games. RCB will want the players to maintain the momentum in UAE.
All-Rounders: Washington Sundar, Wanindu Hasaranga and Kyle Jamieson
Washington Sundar is currently injured, and there is no news if he would be available for the tournament. If he does get fit in time, Washi will make it to the XI. New signing Wanindu Hasaranga is likely to walk straight into the XI. An additional spinner in the XI will be useful and moreover, the Sri Lankan’s batting form at the momentum looks better than that of Dan Christian’s. Kyle Jamieson surprised many with his show in the first phase of IPL 2021. Although his role with the ball will be more crucial, the Kiwi would also want to get a few big hits with the bat.
Bowlers: Harshal Patel, Mohammed Siraj and Yuzvendra Chahal
Harshal Patel is more of a bowling all-rounder, but as the first phase, his job with the ball will be more important for RCB. He currently holds the Purple Cap, and he would want to win it by the end of the tournament. Siraj and Chahal will form the core of the bowling attack. The Hyderabadi pacer is in sensational form, and if he has a good outing, he could as well get selected to the T20 World Cup. Chahal must do well to ensure he does not fall out of favour for the World Cup.
