IPL 2018: 4 changes RCB should make to start winning

This season seems to be all too similar for Virat Kohli and Royal Challengers Bangalore. A star-studded batting order, a top-heavy team, a jittery middle order, and a not-so-confident bowling attack.

While this has been the trend for RCB over the past few seasons, what has baffled everyone has been the lack of planning to iron out the flaws at the auction table.

With a solitary win in four matches, the script is looking all too familiar for RCB and if the team are to harbour any hopes of making a comeback, they have to incorporate these changes almost immediately:

#4 Need a bowling all-rounder and not the other way around

Should be included immediately

For some flummoxing reason, RCB opted to play Corey Anderson in the match against Mumbai Indians. While there is no denying the quality Anderson brings to the table, he has been injured and has not played enough matches to get into the groove.

They had the option of including Colin de Grandhomme which would have bolstered the bowling depth and would have also given them a genuine batsman lower down the order.

Anderson looked hapless with the ball and was dismissed off the very first ball, perhaps this will force Daniel Vettori and Virat Kohli to go back to the drawing table.

#3 Finding the right slot for Washington Sundar

Needs a bigger role with the bat

The Tamil Nadu-man was one of the marquee performers in the Tamil Nadu Premier League when he opened the batting and bowling. Perhaps RCB should look at giving him a more expanded role with the bat.

He might well be given the role to open the batting where he could use the powerplay with flair and this would also allow Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers to come lower down the order and control the batting from number three and four.

With Sundar at the top of the order, Quinton de Kock can take his time to get going and this would allow him to bat deep into the innings, another positive for RCB.

#2 Batting first after winning the toss

Need to bat first to be more expressive

Virat Kohli has won the toss twice and has fielded first twice only to concede more than 200 runs on both occasions.

When the batting order is faltering and melting under pressure, the captain should be looking to bat first and, bereft of any scoreboard pressure, they might well bat with a lot more freedom which will allow them to do justice to their potential.

Also, this will allow the bowlers to have a cushion when they run in to bowl and, perhaps when they defend a score, they will do a better job.

#1 The middle order should be more solid

Big

disappointment so far

Perhaps this is the biggest worry as far as the Royal Challengers Bangalore are concerned.

They retained Sarfaraz Khan, but his form and lack of runs have been a worry. They tried Pawan Negi for one match and then shunted him away, Mandeep Singh always looks to be in the groove, but always bats under pressure and then the all-rounders never turn up.

Now, AB can shift to number four, Mandeep can bat at number five, and then with Colin de Grandhomme at number six, the middle order looks far more settled.

Also, instead of Sarfaraz, if they give Negi a longer rope, they will be better served in the matches to come.

Having said this, all these predictions and permutations and combinations can only be fruitful if the changes proposed actually decide to turn up and stamp their authority.

Time is running out for RCB and they need to bite the bullet, sooner rather than later.

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