Last Updated on 1 month by Charbel Coorey
Cricket Opinion: 5 players RCB should look to buy in the IPL 2024 Auction | Who should RCB target for IPL 2024?
Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), after three straight playoff appearances, narrowly missed out in 2023. In the leadup to the 2024 Indian Premier League (IPL) season, RCB have made some big calls with regards to their bowling attack plus choosing to trade in Cameron Green for 17.5 crore (approx. US$2.3 million).
RCB released experienced bowlers including Harshal Patel, Josh Hazlewood, Wanindu Hasaranga, David Willey, and Wayne Parnell. As a result, they need to reconstruct their bowling attack and/or look to purchase released players at a cheaper price with a limited purse remaining. So, they need to be smart at the bidding table and look to pick up a few value picks along with the big purchases to bolster their bowling lineup.
RCB’s current squad for IPL 2024: Faf du Plessis, Rajat Patidar, Virat Kohli, Anuj Rawat, Dinesh Karthik, Suyash Prabhudessai, Will Jacks, Glenn Maxwell, Mahipal Lomror, Karn Sharma, Manoj Bhandage, Akash Deep, Mohammed Siraj, Reece Topley, Himanshu Sharma, Rajan Kumar, Vyshak Vijaykumar, Cameron Green, Mayank Dagar
Remaining purse: 23.25 crore.
Key needs for 2024: Wristspinner, death-bowling options, hitter at number seven.
5 players RCB should look to target in the IPL 2024 Auction
Adil Rashid
RCB need an experienced wristspin option after choosing to release Wanindu Hasaranga. Adil Rashid fits that build, offering control and variations that could really benefit the franchise throughout the season.
Also, he could come at a pretty decent price with other franchises already boasting wristspin options. If RCB do purchase Rashid, they will be hoping he shows the kind of form that helped lead England to the 2022 T20 World Cup title.
Chetan Sakariya
Faf du Plessis, Glenn Maxwell, and Cameron Green are expected to take three of the four overseas spots, so the franchise needs to bolster their Indian pace stocks in the auction. Also, with 23.25 crore available, RCB needs good value-for-money purchases.
One such buy could be Chetan Sakariya, although other franchises are likely to have a go at acquiring his services. Sakariya can offer RCB value up top with his left-arm angle and ability to swing the new ball. Given their batting-friendly conditions at home, good starts with the ball are vital.
Karthik Tyagi
Death-bowling has been RCB’s achilles heel for years. To pin all their hopes on Karthik Tyagi would be unfair on the youngster, but he can certainly contribute throughout the season.
Again, RCB will likely have to fight off a number of other franchises to acquire Tyagi’s services. His ability to execute yorkers was famously on show in the 2021 season where he successfully defended just four runs off the last over against Punjab Kings.
With Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) mistreating Tyagi, the seamer will be out to prove his worth in the upcoming season.
Shuhrukh Khan
Punjab Kings surprisingly released Shuhrukh Khan ahead of the IPL 2024 auction. RCB can look to swoop given they need a finisher at number seven below Dinesh Karthik, and Shahrukh can deliver plenty especially at the batting-friendly Chinnaswamy Stadium.
Also, the impact player rule makes this purchase a wise one. Khan can be replaced with a specialist bowler and vice versa, giving the franchise the best of both worlds.
Another option is Aman Hakim Khan who can also bowl a few overs if needed.
Mitchell Starc
This purchase would likely take a huge chunk of their 23.25 crore remaining. But, it’s an option they should still go for. Mitchell Starc has put his name forward in the IPL after a long absence, and a return to RCB is possible.
Starc’s experience in the powerplay and death overs is there for all to see. If RCB can land Starc as well as few value-for-money domestic picks, they will be well set for the IPL 2024 season given how strong their batting lineup looks.
Indeed, how RCB go in 2024 depends significantly on how they perform at the auction table. Releasing so many bowlers and then forking out 17.5 crore on Cameron Green is a risk, so it remains to be seen if this pays off by the time the year is out.
