As the Indian Premier League’s 2024 season beckons, the cricket fraternity buzzes with the perennial question: Is this the year for the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB)? After 16 seasons, 241 matches, and three runner-up finishes, the team, formerly known as Royal Challengers Bangalore, has yet to lift the coveted IPL trophy. However, a recent name change has coincided with a spell of optimism as the Royal Challengers’ women’s team claimed victory in just their second year. For the men’s team, expectations are mounting for them to end the long wait.
The previous season saw RCB fall short of the playoffs for the first time since 2020, halting a mini streak of promising advances. Despite the setback, hopes remain high within the RCB camp, especially given their formidable top six batsmen. Sparks of terror are likely to fly in opposition camps when faced with the batting might of Faf du Plessis, Virat Kohli, Rajat Patidar, Glenn Maxwell, Cameron Green, and Dinesh Karthik.
RCB’s batting depth was bolstered by the rise of Anuj Rawat last season, who showcased his potential lower down the order. As discussions revolve around whether RCB would opt for a batting all-rounder or an additional pure batter, the team’s lineup boasts the firepower to decimate quality bowling attacks.
On the flip side, RCB’s bowling department appears to be a Pandora’s box of uncertainty. With nine pace options at their disposal following the departures of Harshal Patel and Josh Hazlewood, it remains to be seen whether the newcomers can step up to the mark. The hunt for worthy replacements grows urgent as RCB also faces the absence of their premier leg-spinner, Wanindu Hasaranga, alongside Yuzvendra Chahal.
The pressure is now on the shoulders of Karn Sharma, Mayank Dagar, and Swapnil Singh to deliver in the spin bowling department, with Maxwell expected to shoulder a significant part of the load, particularly on tracks that favor turn and grip. This calls into question the balance of RCB’s bowling attack, including who will join Mohammed Siraj, Reece Topley, and potentially Yash Dayal or Vijaykumar Vyshak in the starting lineup.
An area of concern is the team’s death bowling capabilities, given that Cameron Green’s inclusion (through heavy auction investment) has taken up a foreign player slot which could have been filled by a specialist fast bowler. RCB may need to innovate with their overseas player combinations to resolve these issues. Options like Tom Curran and Will Jacks present themselves as potential game-changers on suitable tracks.
Drawing inspiration from Mumbai Indians’ successful 2023 strategy, RCB could aim to overpower opponents with their batting might. However, this approach hinges on the form of key players like Dinesh Karthik, who has been more present in the commentary box than on the field in recent months, and Faf du Plessis and Virat Kohli, who have had their struggles with form and match fitness.
Can the star-studded lineup of the Royal Challengers finally clinch their elusive first IPL title in 2024? While the path to triumph may seem daunting, reaching the playoffs could pave the way for an exhilarating season. certainly, if RCB’s top order fires consistently and amasses high scores, and their revamped bowling attack strikes cohesion, the 2024 season could well be a roller coaster of excitement for both the team and its fervent supporters.
