RCB is among the 3 teams that have never won the IPL in 16 years of its history. The others are Delhi Capitals and Punjab Kings who have changed their names but the management has remained the same. Yet, they are not talked about not winning a single competition the same way as RCB. This is probably because of the fact that RCB is served by one of the greatest T20 cricketers in Virat Kohli and for a considerable period, the destructive Chris Gayle was also part of RCB. It is only of late, Gayle hasn’t found favour with the RCB management because of his advancing age and meagre returns with the bat. Will this year be the catalyst or will RCB be the eternal bridesmaid?
Ever since the inception of IPL, RCB had got an eye for talent. They picked Kohli when he had barely played for India and that proved to be a masterstroke. Kohli himself had revealed how grateful he is for RCB because no one gave him a chance during the earlier part of his career. Kohli repaid the trust by performing for several years. Some of those years beggars belief. Yet, RCB has not managed to win the title. Kohli captained the team for a number of years and even that did change their fortune.
Kohli had enough and relinquished the captaincy and Faf Plessis became the captain in 2022. He helped RCB finish 4th last time around which was creditable considering that Kohli on whom much was depending upon, was badly out of form and they hardly had good hitters.
Availability of key players
RCB was dealt a serious blow when it was revealed that both Josh Hazlewood and Rajat Patidar, their standout players from last season, will not be available for the 1st half of the season. That is basically half the total number of games. Glenn Maxwell, another decent performer from last year will also be unavailable for the initial games. Key players missing 7 games out of a maximum of 14 will be tough on any team. How is RCB going to overcome this loss remains to be seen. Basically, by the end of the 1st half, there is a real possibility that RCB may not even be in contention for the playoffs.
Hazlewood has commented,
“Everything is ticking along according to plan, so I’ll be heading over on the 14th (of April) depending on how the next two weeks go,” Hazlewood was quoted as saying by The Age. “I probably won’t be quite ready to go right then, but (after) another week in India to touch things up skills wise I should be ready to go hopefully.”
He is very much in Australia and he will consult with Cricket Australia’s medical staff about his participation. Now, his importance for The Ashes cannot be overstated. Cricket Australia will take that into consideration.
Patidar on the otherhand was a key performer in the middle order and now, he is down with a heel injury. With Patidar out of the action, Kohli who was slated to open the innings will again go back to the top order. The hundred in last year’s eliminator was a treat to watch. His is a serious loss for RCB.
The good news
RCB has signed Reece Topley and India’s Avinash Singh to cover for Hazlewood. Topley was successful in the ODI series against India last year. He will probably prove to be a good selection. As for Avinash Singh, more than RCB, it is India that will await his debut with excitement. He is a tearaway fast bowler on the lines of Umran Malik. Two bowlers bowling at 150KMPH speed opening for India, it will be a day every Indian supporter hoped will be able to see in their lifetime.
Another piece of good news is the form of Kohli. RCB’s dependence on Kohli is quite high. With him being in form, after 5 centuries between the last IPL and this one, including his maiden century for India in T20, RCB could not have asked for better timing. The question remains where must he bat? Should he open the innings and leave the middle order slightly inexperienced? Should he continue in his usual position? Finally, should he come down the order to finish the innings in the company of Karthik? This will remain an open question until their first game.
Bowling worry
With Hazlewood unavailable, the other worry is the form of Siraj and Harshal Patel. It has been awhile since anyone has heard about Harshal. Ever since his injury and omission from the Indian squad, has he been playing to keep himself fit? Siraj is not that good a T20 bowler. He is likely to leak runs but on his day, is capable of devastating swing.
Wrapping up RCB the eternal bridesmaid
Far too long, have the fans of RCB been denied their moment in the sun. The current squad does not inspire too much confidence and injuries to important personnel are likely to set them back by some length. Kohli’s form can turn things around until the entire squad is fit to play. Though Kohli has scored centuries, he hasn’t shown the consistency for which he is known. Unlike the previous seasons, where RCB despite having their full squad, struggled, this year, in the absence of crucial players, it will take a miracle for them to even qualify for the playoffs.
Other IPL articles