IPL 2018: 5 players who can end Royal Challengers Bangalore's  trophy drought this year

Over the years, the Royal Challengers Bangalore have looked like the best side on paper. They have had big names like Virat Kohli, Chris Gayle, and AB de Villiers among their ranks but they all failed to deliver an IPL trophy for them.

They have retained or signed back many big players from their past IPL campaign and are looking strong with some of their new recruits. They have a decent batting line-up and their bowling department looks good as well.

There are many quality players in the squad but certain players have the ability to change the game at any time and become keys to ending RCB's trophy drought this season.

Right on this note, let's look at the five players who could help RCB win the IPL title this season.

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5) Brendon McCullum

Brendon McCullum is one of the best hitters of the ball.

One of the most successful batsmen in New Zealand's cricket history, Brendon McCullum is ever present in the IPL. He will be playing for his fifth IPL team this time out after RCB picked him up in the Auctions for a price of INR 3.6 crores.

He was the first player to score a century in the IPL when he scored 158 runs while playing for KKR in the very first match of the IPL. He played 103 matches since then and scored 2754 runs. He averaged 28.10 runs per game and has the strike rate of 131.08.

Brendon McCullum is likely to open the innings for RCB and can change the course of any game with his hard-hitting ability. He may also take gloves behind the wickets if RCB decides to drop Quinton de Kock from the starting line-up.

4) Yuzvendra Chahal

Chahal is one of the most consistent performers for RCB over the past few years.

One of the best Indian spinners right now, Yuzvendra Chahal made his name in the IPL before establishing himself in the Indian National Team.

He was among the top performers for RCB in the last few seasons but the Bangalore-based side decided not to retain him prior to the IPL auctions. However, they didn't let go their prized asset in the auctions and they eventually signed him for ₹6 crores.

The Haryana-born spinner played 56 games in the IPL and has 70 wickets to his name with 4/25 being his best figures. He was among the top three wickets takers for the 2015 and 2016 editions of the IPL.

Yuzvendra Chahal is performing consistently in the IPL from last four seasons and RCB will be hoping the same from him this time in order to end their IPL drought.

3) Chris Woakes

Chris Woakes is the RCC'S most expensive buy of this auction.

Royal Challengers Banglore purchased Chris Woakes for ₹ 7.4 crores in this year's auctions. The Englishmen is the most expensive pick for RCB in this year's auction which will put him under a bit of pressure.

He was with KKR during the last edition of the IPL and was their joint-leading wicket-taker with 17 wickets. He didn't perform well with the bat though and managed to score only 46 runs in 13 matches for KKR.

The England international is ranked fifth on the list of the top ODI all-rounders and will be one of the leading pacers for RCB. His penchant for nailing his yorkers during the death over can help RCB win matches during important moments. He is also handy with his power-hitting during the death overs of the match and can score some important runs for RCB down the order.

2) AB de Villiers

AB de Villiers is one of the most destructive batsmen in cricket.

Known as Mr. 360, AB de Villiers is one the biggest entertainers in cricket and is loved by cricket fans all over the world.

The former South African captain is noted for his unorthodox style of batting and is capable of scoring runs in all directions of the field. He usually plays an aggressive inning and often commands a high strike rate.

AB de Villiers will be playing his 11th IPL this season and has 3473 runs to his name. He averages 38.16 runs per game with a strike rate of 148.16. He scored three centuries along with 22 half-centuries in his 129 IPL games.

ADB has the talents to destroy any bowling line-up on his day and RCB needs to get the best of the Proteas to ponder their chances of lifting the IPL trophy.

1) Virat Kohli

Can Virat Kohli lead RCB to glory?

Often regarded as one of the most talented batsmen of his generation, Virat Kohli is with RCB since the inaugural of the IPL.

Best known for his technique and ability to bat calmly under pressure, the Delhi-born batsman is captaining the Bangalore-based side since 2011. He has been given the responsibility to lead the side this year as well.

Virat Kohli is at the second place on the list of the most IPL runs scorers and has scored 4418 runs at an average of 37.44. He has four IPL centuries to his name, which is just one less than his former teammate, Chris Gayle. He also holds the record of scoring most runs in a single IPL season (973).

The Indian Captain will be a key player for RCB this term and will be the main source of runs for the team. Kohli is capable of changing any game on his own and is one the most reliable batsmen while chasing.