Picture Credit: RCB
If there is one team who took a very different approach during the IPL 2022 mega auctions in comparison to previous years, it was Royal Challengers Bangalore. The franchise has a history of spending huge bucks on batsmen but this time around, under the guidance of coach Sanjay Bangar and director Mike Hesson, the side bolstered their bowling attack with experience while showing trust on few youngsters to do the job in batting department.
With so much speculations around the perfect playing XI for the franchise in IPL 2022, let us have a look at the possible line-up for RCB in upcoming season:
Openers: Faf du Plessis and Anuj Rawat
RCB secured the services of Faf du Plessis for INR 7 Cr in the mega auction and the former CSK star is certainly going to be the key player at top for the franchise. However, the big question will be regarding his batting partner.
While Virat Kohli might open the batting alongside him, there is also a possibility that the team might give a go to youngster Anuj Rawat, who has the ability to play some big hits and capitalize during the powerplay overs. Faf and Anuj pairing would also mean a right-left combination at top for the side, something which many teams prefer in T20 format.
Middle Order: Virat Kohli, Glenn Maxwell, Mahipal Lomror
In case Kohli decides to let go of the opening slot, he would bat at No. 3 which will certainly provide more assurance to RCB in the middle-order with Glenn Maxwell to follow. The two players can certainly wreak havoc in middle overs and it would undoubtedly be one of the most feared No. 3 and No. 4 in IPL 2022.
Mahipal Lomror could be the X-Factor for Royal Challengers Bangalore in middle-order, with the ability of youngster to counter-attack the spinners. The franchise looked quite keen to secure the services of left-handed power-hitter during the mega auction and it looks like he will have a huge role to play for them this season.
Lower middle-order: Dinesh Karthik (wk), Wanindu Hasaranga, Shahbaz Ahmed
RCB have always struggled in the lower middle-order department over the years, which is why the addition of Dinesh Karthik at No. 6 gives them a lot more solidity. The experienced wicketkeeper batsman can play the role of finisher to perfection and might be the perfect solution to their problems this time around.
Wanindu Hasaranga is a wicket-taker who can also play some big hits with the bat, which makes him the all-rounder to watch out for at No. 7. Meanwhile, Shahbaz Ahmed is a utility player who will bring balance to the team with his ability to make valuable contributions with both bat and ball.
Bowlers: Harshal Patel, Josh Hazlewood, Mohammed Siraj
The franchise has one of the most exciting pace bowling attack with the purple-cap holder of IPL 2021, Harshal Patel, back in the side. The 31-year-old is going to be key for RCB in middle-overs and death-overs and with his ability to pick wickets, he is going to be lethal once again.
To address the bowling with new ball, the franchise has signed Josh Hazlewood who is one of the most in-form bowlers in T20 cricket right now. The final player in side, Mohammed Siraj, just adds icing on top of cake to give RCB;s playing XI an exciting outlook.