The IPL 2020 campaign of RCB ended on a dismal note after a great start. The Virat Kohli-led side won seven out of their first 10 matches but eventually lost five games in a row including an Eliminator against SRH. They over-achieved a bit in the first 10 games but massively under-achieved in the last five. After the end of RCB’s journey in the previous edition of the IPL, coach Mike Hesson acknowledged that the squad needed a bit of tweaking. However, Hesson was pretty happy with their core group and the performance of the young Indian players.

Released: Morris, Finch, Moeen, Udana, Dube, Umesh, Negi, Gurkeerat, Steyn (opted out), and Parthiv (retired).

Traded in: Sams, Harshal.

Purse: 35.4 INR.

Royal Challengers Bangalore.

Pre-auction analysis.

Presently, this is how the team shapes up:

1. Devdutt

2. Virat

3. Josh Philippe (WK)

4.

5. AB

6.

7.

8. Sundar

9. Saini

10.

11. Chahal

Cricket is a situation game, not a position game. AB at 5, Sundar at 8 are only on paper. The match-ups and game scenario would determine their actual batting positions.Sundar, in particular, will float anywhere between 4 to 8.

The scoring rate of their batsmen was a big issue for the Red Army in the last season. The combined strike rate of top-7 RCB batsmen (batting position-wise) was 124.16 – the lowest among all sides. Among the RCB batters who faced at least 50 balls in the season, none had a strike rate of 125 or more, barring AB de Villiers.

Most of their batsmen struggled to score quickly enough against spin bowling. Among RCB batters, Aaron Finch had the best strike rate (125.6) against spinners. AB de Villiers could make up for his low strike rate vs spin (113.7) by hammering pacers, however, others failed to do so. Bearing in mind how RCB’s batsmen struggled to accelerate in the middle-overs, predominantly vs spin, needless to say, they’ll target a middle-order batsman. Given his boundary-hitting abilities, Vinod is a viable choice.Despite his not so great strike rate in recent seasons of Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, Vinod’s six-hitting ability is something to admire. He was the leading six-hitter (29 maximums) in Vijay Hazare Trophy 2019. Amongst overseas players, Billings, Phillips and Maxwell are the hot choices whilst Rutherford is one less-hyped option.

At 6/7, Harshal & Sams are 2 options from within the squad. The former, perhaps a replacement for Dube, is a fine utility player and can potentially slot in at 7 given his all-round skills. The latter, albeit an improved batsman, doesn’t inspire confidence with the ball. Assuming that Harshal slots in at 7, RCB would fancy a finisher who can take some burden off AB’s shoulders. Allen, a ferocious finisher, is one name that immediately hits my mind. Besides his batting abilities, he’s outrageous on the field and brings alongwith him the option of a slow left-arm orthodox. Sundar (off-break), Chahal (leg-break) and Allen (slow left-arm orthodox). 3 contrasting spinners, all offering different variety to the captain.

Apart from Allen, Shahrukh, with his power-hitting skill, is one name that hits my mind. And I already mentioned Maxwell earlier. For RCB to play an overseas seamer, two players out of #4, #6 and #7 must be Indians. Otherwise, they’d have to field an all Indian pace attack (Saini, Siraj & Harshal), which, for obvious reasons, is undesirable.

Updated line-up:

1. Devdutt

2. Virat

3. Josh Philippe (WK)

4. Vinod

5. AB

6. Allen/Maxwell

7. Harshal

8. Sundar

9. Saini

10.

11. Chahal

Vinod and one of Allen/Maxwell would be my picks. The line-up might look unconvincing but trust me, there’s enough to work with over there. The final spot, quite patently, is for the overseas seamer. Jhye is an option. They might even want to reacquire the services of Morris. Amongst others, Wood, Meredith and Ellis are fine choices.

Thus, my final XI:

1. Devdutt

2. Virat

3. Joshua (WK)

4. Vinod

5. AB

6. Allen/Maxwell

7. Harshal

8. Sundar

9. Saini

10. Jhye/Morris/Wood/Meredith/Ellis

11. Chahal

If Harshal & Sundar (especially Sundar, since he’s the only left-hander after Padikkal) are utilized appropriately, the batting is sorted. The already brilliant spin department would only get better in the presence of Allen or Maxwell. Powerplay bowling is sorted but Death-bowling is one concern. Though, if Saini who certainly has the skillset uses his brain, sticks to his strength and bowls well, honestly, in tandem with the overseas seamer, one can expect decent returns at the death as well. Being a mini-auction, this, in my opinion, is the best that RCB can do.