Excitement fills the Indian summer as cricket enthusiasts gear up for two months of thrilling matches. With the T20 World Cup starting on June 1, IPL kicks off early this year. The mega T20 tournament begins on March 22, with the first match between Royal Challengers Bangalore and Chennai Super Kings at Chepauk Stadium. Fans eagerly anticipate the showdown, marking the start of an action-packed season of cricket entertainment.
Royal Challengers Bangalore will start their campaign with an away match against CSK. when CSK has the home advantage, RCB will fight with the opponent in their den. In the IPL 2023 auction, RCB made some amazing purchases. Depending on their squad, we will discuss their probable playing XI for the first match.
- Virat Kohli:
Virat Kohli is set to come back to competitive cricket after two months. After missing the whole Test series against England. He will be seen in action from the first match of the league. Virat Kohli is a cricketing giant with 7,263 runs in 237 IPL matches, featuring 50 fifties and 7 centuries. His exceptional skill and determination embody RCB’s spirit. Kohli’s standout displays, including two centuries last season, highlight his immense impact on the league. His consistent performances have been crucial for RCB, showcasing his exceptional talent and commitment to the game.
- Faf du Plessis:
Faf du Plessis took the captaincy charge after Virat Kohli stepped down from his role. After Faf came to RCB in 2022, he has become a big asset to the team. Since 2022, du Plessis has led RCB with his vast experience and strong leadership skills. With 4,133 runs in 133 matches, he provides stability to RCB’s batting lineup as captain. Du Plessis’ leadership and batting ability are crucial for RCB’s success, guiding the team towards victory. His presence at the top order anchors RCB’s aspirations for glory, showcasing his valuable contribution to the team both on and off the field.
- Rajat Patidar:
Rajat Patidar debuted in IPL in 2021. He has played 12 matches, scoring 404 runs with an average of 40.40. Patidar hit 1 century and 2 half-centuries, with his highest score being 112* runs. He has struck 30 fours and 21 sixes. In the IPL 2024 Auction, Bangalore acquired him for Rs 20.00 Lac. His last IPL match was in May 2022 against Rajasthan, where he scored 58 runs off 42 balls at Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad, India.
- Cameron Green:
Cameron Green is the newest trade of RCB from the IPL auction in 2023. He has been traded from Mumbai Indians. Cameron Green brings energy and style to the batting lineup. Coming from Mumbai Indians, Green has shown his all-round skills with 452 runs and 6 wickets in 16 IPL matches. His century and two fifties demonstrate his ability to change games in RCB’s favor, strengthening their middle order. Green’s arrival promises to boost RCB’s performance, adding depth and versatility to their squad for the upcoming matches.
- Mahipal Lomror:
Mahipal Lomror made his debut in 2018. In his IPL career, Mahipal Lomror has played 30 matches but took only 1 wicket, averaging 109.00 runs per wicket. He conceded around 7.79 runs per over with a best figure of 1/22. In the IPL Auction 2024, he was bought by the Bangalore franchise for Rs 95.00 Lac. Lomror’s inclusion in the team adds depth to their squad, and the franchise will be hoping for his contributions to enhance their performance in the tournament.
- Glenn Maxwell:
Glenn Maxwell is a key player for RCB, known for his power and style. His exceptional performance in the 2023 World Cup victory highlights his talent. Maxwell has scored 2,719 runs and taken 31 wickets in 124 IPL matches, showcasing his impact. Since joining RCB in 2021, he has scored 1,214 runs with 6 fifties, establishing himself as a match-winner. Maxwell’s presence adds strength to RCB’s lineup, making him a crucial player in their quest for success.
- Dinesh Karthik:
Dinesh Karthik brings valuable experience and calmness to RCB’s lower middle order as a seasoned finisher. His impressive record of 4,516 runs in 242 matches, featuring 20 fifties, reflects his ability to perform under pressure. Karthik’s presence adds stability to RCB’s batting lineup, and his determination to excel in his final season will be a motivating factor for the team.
- Karn Sharma:
Karn Sharma brings skill and control to the bowling lineup. Having taken 69 wickets in 75 IPL matches, Sharma’s knack for restricting runs and taking important wickets bolsters RCB’s resources. His presence provides a valuable spin option during critical stages of the match, enhancing the team’s ability to adapt to different game situations. Sharma’s experience and effectiveness make him a key asset for RCB’s bowling strategy in the tournament.
- Alzarri Joseph:
Alzarri Joseph’s inclusion in RCB’s squad created a buzz after the auction. Alzarri Joseph strengthens the fast bowling department with his speed and aggressive style. Having taken 20 wickets in 19 IPL matches, Joseph’s capability to unsettle batsmen with his bounce and movement enhances RCB’s bowling lineup. His raw pace adds an extra dimension to the team’s attack, making it more formidable. Joseph’s presence brings an element of threat to RCB’s opponents, increasing the team’s chances of success in the tournament.
- Mohammed Siraj:
Mohammed Siraj is undoubtedly one of the best bowlers in India. From the international stage to the IPL stage, he showcased his talent everywhere. Mohammad Siraj is the driving force of RCB’s pace attack, known for his passion and energy on the field. Having taken 78 wickets in 79 IPL matches, Siraj’s talent for bowling aggressive spells and taking important wickets makes him a vital part of RCB’s bowling arsenal. His fiery bowling style and knack for breakthroughs make him an essential asset for the team, adding strength and depth to their bowling lineup.
- Akashdeep:
Akashdeep is a major bowling face of RCB. Emerging from obscurity, Akashdeep showcases his talent with accuracy and proficiency. Having taken 6 wickets in 7 IPL matches, his recent Test debut for India and strong performance highlight his potential in RCB’s pace lineup. Akashdeep’s ability to deliver under pressure makes him a promising addition to the team’s bowling attack. With the right opportunities and support, he can excel and make a significant impact for RCB in the upcoming matches.
Impact player:
Yash Dayal/Suyash Prabhudesai: After the impact player was introduced in the tournament, it has become an asset for the teams. For the first game of IPL, there are two options. The first one is Yash Dayal. Yash Dayal shines as RCB’s standout player in IPL 2024. Having taken 13 wickets in 14 matches, Dayal proves himself as a valuable asset with his knack for taking important wickets and building pressure. His presence strengthens RCB’s pace attack, complementing bowlers like Siraj and Joseph. Dayal’s emergence as a potent force adds depth and versatility to the team’s bowling options, making him a key contributor to RCB’s performance in the tournament.
The other option is Suyash Prabhudesai. Suyash Prabhudessai, a right-handed batsman, entered the IPL in 2022. In 2023, he played 5 matches, scoring 35 runs with an average of 8.75 and a strike rate of 120.69. Overall, in his IPL career, he has played 10 matches, scoring 102 runs with an average of 11.33 and a strike rate of 115.91. Prabhudessai’s performances demonstrate his potential, and he aims to make further contributions to his team’s success in future matches.
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