Coming into its seventeenth season, the Indian Premier League (IPL) is poised to kick off in a few months, unleashing intense competitors amongst ten groups vying for the celebrated title. One group that has constantly featured prominently within the event however has but to clinch the coveted trophy even as soon as is the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB).
Regardless of boasting superstars who’ve been central to the 17-year journey, together with Virat Kohli, AB de Villiers, Chris Gayle, Faf du Plessis and Glenn Maxwell, the star-studded lineup has fallen in need of changing their potential right into a championship victory.
Sunil Gavaskar identifies the standout participant to keep watch over
As a three-time finalist, RCB are gearing as much as embark on one more journey within the quest for IPL glory, aiming to lastly finish their drought of lifting the trophy. With the event on the horizon, legendary cricketer Sunil Gavaskar has recognized the participant who may play a pivotal position in serving to RCB break their trophy drought.
In a latest dialogue on Star Sports activities, cricketing icon Gavaskar shared his perspective on RCB prospects within the upcoming season of the cash-rich league. Gavaskar believed that the important thing to RCB’s success lies within the efficiency of the Australian all-rounder Cameron Inexperienced, who showcased his potential with each bat and ball within the earlier version of the league.
“This participant must carry out higher than final yr due to the worth you got him for. Sure, I agree he scored a century as nicely for the Mumbai Indians final yr. Nonetheless, he must carry out higher than that since you ought to get well the worth you got him for and the Mumbai Indians didn’t get well that,” Gavaskar mentioned.
RCB secured the providers of Inexperienced for a major ₹17.50 crore throughout the IPL 2024 public sale, buying him from the Mumbai Indians (MI). This strategic transfer allowed MI to usher in Hardik Pandya from the Gujarat Titans (GT).
Additionally READ: IPL 2024: AB de Villiers names the potential ‘X-Issue’ participant for RCB
Optimism and reservations
Gavaskar, whereas optimistic about Inexperienced’s batting prowess, expressed reservations about his effectiveness with the ball. Throughout IPL 2023, Inexperienced made a major affect with the bat, amassing 452 runs in 16 innings at a hanging fee of 160.28. Nonetheless, Gavaskar famous that there’s room for enchancment in Inexperienced’s bowling efficiency, as he managed to safe solely six wickets in 38 overs with an economic system fee of 9.50.
“He has to do one thing not solely in batting however bowling as nicely. He can ship with the bat as a result of he has that means. He can play the massive pictures. He’s well-organized in batting. I gained’t depend upon his bowling. He simply has a protracted observe via and nothing greater than that. Individuals say he can hit the highest of the bat. We didn’t see that in Australia as nicely. He was most likely not 100% match at the moment,” the 74-year-old added.
Potential position within the RCB’s enjoying XI
When requested about Inexperienced’s potential slot within the RCB lineup, Gavaskar prompt {that a} finisher position can be completely appropriate for the proficient all-rounder.
“I really feel he will probably be a finisher solely as a result of they have already got top-order batters. (Rajat) Patidar will play at No. 3. Your prime two will probably be Faf du Plessis and Virat Kohli. (Glenn) Maxwell will come at No. 4,” Gavaskar concluded.
