4 overseas players from RCB that will be first-choice in the playing XI

Royal Challengers Bangalore has always been full of batting powerhouses & achieved the tag of 'entertainers' from the cricketing fraternity. The bowling has let them down on batting-friendly conditions in Chinnaswamy stadium to keep them away from the title, having reached the finals thrice. But this time around, they will be looking to turn the tables in their favor.

The names like AB de Villiers, Brendon McCullum, Quinton de Kock, Colin de Grandhomme, Moeen Ali, Chris Woakes, Tim Southee, Nathan Coulter-Nile can provide the well-needed balance to the side with the mix consisting of batsmen, bowler, and all-rounders to accompany the chokers to their first IPL title.

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#1 Brendon McCullum

His knock of 158* is the second-highest individual score in the IPL

First ever batsman to score an IPL century, that too in the inaugural game of the tournament, Brendon McCullum was bought by Royal Challengers Bangalore in the player auction this year.

RCB is always known for their squash-buckling batting line-up that often give nightmares to the opposition bowlers. Seeing the 'Universe Boss' entering the dusk of his IPL career, RCB stumbled upon 'The Bazz', who can bruise bowling attacks in no time. Furthermore, he is a capable glove-man and an electric fielder to provide flexibility to the captain.

#2 AB de Villiers

RCB retained AB for INR 11 crores

This selection is a no-brainer and irrespective of form & consistency, AB de Villiers is an automatic choice to make it to the XI. An alluring but ferocious batsman, athletic fielder, a wicket-keeper, Mr. 360 has it all, that can even make the opposition team relish his performances on the field.

Coming to his IPL performance, AB has been a consistent entertainer for years now, having three centuries under his belt. Mighty South African's contribution often appeared to be overshadowed by the fireworks of Chris Gayle & consistency of skipper Virat Kohli, which is quite mind-boggling.

#3 Chris Woakes

He was the leading wicket-taker for KKR in 2017

The lanky pacer from England, reasonably new to the IPL setup, grabbed the opportunities thrown at him with Kolkata Knight Riders. Chris Woakes picked up 17 wickets from 13 games, although he leaked a few runs as he majorly bowls in powerplay and at the death.

Royal Challengers Bangalore struggled with their bowling from past few seasons with Starc being out for a couple of years due to personal reasons. Woakes can provide overseas flavor to their bowling woes & is a capable batsman at no. 7, to aid his selection in the XI.

#4 Nathan Coulter-Nile

He achieved the best bowling strike-rate of 11.3 last season

The Australian quick was one of the seamers to bowl-out Royal Challengers Bangalore for a meager 49 last season. Nathan Coulter-Nile picked up 15 wickets from 8 games in 2017 and bowled phenomenally well on the Indian tour, finishing as the leading wicket-taker with ten scalps to his name.

With batting line-up looking quite settled, RCB will be keen to assign him the leadership of their bowling attack to get the right balance they have been struggling to get thus far.