The Royal Challengers Bangalore look very strong on paper, having bought some of the best players around the world. Their star-studded lineup would give fans an exciting season for sure. Having spent almost 12 Crores at the auction, let’s see if RCB have what it takes to be the champion in the inaugural season of the Women’s Premier League.
Strengths:
RCB have a star-studded batting lineup. They have some of the best batters in the world. With Smriti Mandhana and Kiwi skipper Sophie Devine at the top, RCB can expect to have a blasting start. Captain Mandhana may not have any problems managing her team as she always would have New Zealand Captain Sophie Devine, England Captain Heather Knight, and Australian Veteran Ellyse Perry to consult.
Richa Ghosh shines as India’s brightest wicket-keeping prospect, boasting not only exceptional skills behind the stumps but also the ability to score swiftly in the middle order. Adding to the impressive ensemble, the Royal Challengers Bangalore flaunts a formidable team core, featuring a multitude of match-winners who can turn the game on its head at any given moment.
In terms of bowling, RCB have Megan Schutt leading the bowling attack for them. Schutt is one of the highest wicket-takers in T20 internationals, having picked 124 wickets in 95 games. She would be supported by Ellyse Perry and the Indian prodigy Renuka Thakur.
Weaknesses:
Even though RCB have a strong core, their lower middle order is pretty inexperienced. Poonam Khemmar, Kanika Ahuja, and Komal Zanzad have a subtle amount of experience at the domestic level, but it may not be enough to tackle the international heavyweights.
RCB lack in the spin bowling department as well. The team seems to have a conspicuous gap in their arsenal – the absence of a top-tier Indian spinner, a player category that could prove to be immensely valuable in the given playing conditions. Since all matches are to be played at two venues across Mumbai, the conditions will eventually help spinners more than the fast bowlers.
Opportunity:
The WPL would be an amazing opportunity for the inexperienced cader of the RCB to play alongside some of the prominent international stars and learn from them. Being a part of a star-studded squad like the Royal Challengers Bangalore presents an incredible opportunity for young and budding cricketers who have made it into the team.
Sharing the field and dressing room with some of the most seasoned international players is a priceless experience that promises to be immensely beneficial for the uncapped and lesser experienced players such as Disha Kasat, Preeti Bose, Shreyanka Patil, and a host of others. Such exposure can accelerate their learning curve and hone their skills, allowing them to grow into better players and bolster their contribution to the team’s success.
Threats:
There’s a dialogue in Spiderman, which reads, “With great power, comes great responsibility.” With the presence of so many international stars, the pressure of performing up to the reputation of such big names would definitely be there.
Furthermore, the Women’s Premier League is a 3-week tournament, with matches being continuous without many breaks. Thus, the international players may find it hard to adjust to the Indian conditions, and this may actually hamper their health. RCB rely heavily on their international stars, and if one of them were to be injured, RCB may falter.
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