IPL 2017: Squad strengths, weakness and prediction

Royal Challengers Bangalore

Tymal Mills will be leading the RCB bowling attack

The most impressive franchise of IPL not to have won the title, RCB captain, Virat Kohli would like to change that dubious record before the grand auction next year. Pawan Negi, who made the headlines after the 2016 auction, flew under the radar in this year’s auction but RCB were smart to pocket him for INR 1 crore. He may turn out to be the all-round spin option which will add balance to their side.

Strengths: RCB’s strength is undoubtedly their batting. In Virat Kohli, they have a captain who wears his heart on his sleeve and churns out runs consistently. The most destructive T20 opener in the world - Chris Gayle, and the flamboyant AB de Villiers, who can hit a cricket ball to any part of the ground, are two of RCB’s key batsmen. Add KL Rahul, Shane Watson and Kedar Jadhav to the list and any bowling line up will be scratching their heads on how to contain them.

Weakness: Mitchel Starc’s absence is a huge blow to RCB which they have attempted to fill by signing Tymal Mills. Mills, though impressive during the T20 series for England in India, will be tested on the batting-friendly surface of Chinnaswamy Stadium. RCB has invested heavily in an uncapped Indian left-arm seamer, Aniket Chaudhary, and it remains to be seen if he has the temperament to bowl to high-quality international batsmen.

Prediction: Like in 2016, it’s their batsmen who will have to outscore the opposition and cover up for their light bowling attack. But a place in the play-off should be theirs for the taking.