To describe the situation of Royal challengers Bangalore we can say that they have always been the bridesmaid but never the bride. The franchise has managed to reach the finals of the tournament thrice and have ended up losing all three of those games thus leaving the side with no silverware over the years. This season they will play three of their matches in Chennai, two in Mumbai, four in Ahmedabad and five in Kolkata.

Strengths : –

Virat Kohli as an opener is their biggest positive before the season begins. The move has proved to benefit him as well as the team. As we’ve seen in the 2016 season.

Maxwell and AB De Villiers can be used as floaters in the batting order.

Their Batting depth lasts till the number 8 slot where Jamieson would ideally play.

Image courtesy : IPL / Twitter

Weaknesses : –

Like every season their death bowling reserves look depleted.

The slot in the middle-order where an Indian batsman will play remains vacant.

The trophy Jinx. (If it exists?)

Keys to Success : –

  1. Seven of their games will be played at high-scoring venues therefore being able to defend totals will be crucial.
  2. Maxwell to be a successful floater who can bat anywhere from numbers 3-6 and contributes a few overs with the ball.
  3. Other batsmen to be amongst the runs rather than the team being dependant on AB and Virat exclusively. ( Something that Padikkal did last season.)
  4. Playing the most appropriate XI and backing the right guys along with being flexible in decision-making.

Team Combinations : –

  1. Virat 2. Padikkal 3. Maxwell 4. Baby/Azharudeen/Patidar 5. De Villiers 6. Christian 7. Sundar 8. Jamieson 9. Saini 10. Siraj 11. Chahal.

Harshal Patel is a candidate for the number 6 slot. If Harshal can replace Christian, they can play Zampa for Siraj.

Possible Finish : –

Sixth or Seventh position.

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