They performed well from IPL 2020 to 2022, reaching the playoffs in three consecutive seasons. However, in the last season, RCB failed to qualify for the playoffs and finished in sixth place. Despite their consistent presence in the tournament over 16 years, RCB is yet to lift a trophy.
Cricinformer is here with the SWOT analysis of the Royal Challengers Bangalore ahead of IPL 2024.
Strength
The powerful batting lineup of RCB is the main strength of the team. The combination of Du Plessis, Kohli, Green, and Maxwell creates a formidable batting lineup for RCB. It’s a potent blend of strength and power, making it a solid and imposing force. In IPL 2023, Du Plessis emerged as the second-highest scorer with 730 runs, while Kohli also made a significant impact with 639 runs last season.
Mohammed Siraj will spearhead the bowling attack for RCB after a decent performance in the IPL 2023 season. Yash Dayal has been brought in as a replacement for Harshal Patel. The franchise is yet to decide between Dayal and Akash Deep for the final lineup. Among international stars, RCB has invested heavily in Alzarri Joseph along with Reece Topley, Lockie Ferguson, and Tom Curran.
Weakness
RCB lacks adequate batting reinforcements on the bench. They are often dependent on their core playing XI. They have players like Saurav Chauhan, Mahipal Lomror, and Anuj Rawat who lack experience, and despite getting many chances they failed to perform.
Opportunity
Youngsters like Rajat Patidar and Mahipal Lomror will have an opportunity to prove themselves. These players have the potential to showcase their hard-hitting batting skills. They will look to come up and perform to reduce some burden from Kohli and Plessis.
Threat RCB’s choice to retain Dinesh Karthik came as somewhat of a surprise, considering the veteran’s underwhelming performance in the previous season. While Karthik can prove to be a potent force in the final overs of a match, his effectiveness diminishes if required earlier in the innings.The biggest threat for RCB is their bowling department which often scatters in crunch situations. Apart from that, the team lacks backup in their batting department.
RCB Final Squad for IPL 2024
Faf du Plessis (captain), Virat Kohli, Glenn Maxwell, Mohammed Siraj, Dinesh Karthik, Cameron Green, Vishak Vijaykumar, Manoj Bhandage, Rajat Patidar, Anuj Rawat, Suyyash Prabudesai, Akash Deep, Reece Topley, Rajan Kumar, Himanshu Sharma, Karan Sharma, Mahipal Lomror, Will Jacques, Alzarri Joseph, Yash Dayal, Tom Curran, Lockie Ferguson, Swapnil Singh, Sourav Chauhan.
Probable playing XI of RCB
Faf du Plessis (c). Virat Kohli, Rajat Patidar, Cameron Green, Glenn Maxwell, Mahipal Lomror, Dinesh Karthik, Karn Sharma, Alzarri Joseph, Mohammed Siraj, Yash Dayal.
