IPL 2018: Changes RCB must make to get back to winning ways

With just two wins from six matches, the Royal Challengers are reeling at the bottom-half of the standings this season. Though they have assembled a strong squad this season, they fail to convert their good performances into desired results.

As always, batting has been their major strength this season, but scoring 200-plus totals become pointless when bowlers cannot defend such scores.

The death-bowling has been their prime headache this season, with Virat looking turning to his all-rounders to complete the quota at the end of the innings.

But the likes of Corey Anderson and Chris Woakes have been ineffective in the death-overs. Let us now look at the changes Virat needs to make to get back to winning ways.

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Tim Southee instead of Corey Anderson

Tim Southee

Anderson, who played the last game against the Chennai Super Kings failed to make an impact, as he managed to score just 2(8). With no better options, Virat was forced to give Anderson a full four-over quota. But it turned out to be a disaster for the Bangalore franchise, as Anderson went for 58 runs in 3.4 overs failing to pick any wickets.

After failing to defend such a huge target, questions arose whether the Royal Challengers can defend their batsmen's contribution in the upcoming games.

The only option to strengthen their bowling attack is to include the Kiwi right-arm fast medium bowler, Tim Southee in their playing XI. Southee will be a better alternative to Anderson as he can bowl some toe-crushers in the death-overs as well threaten the batsmen with his pace and swing at the start of the innings.

He can also score useful runs down the order for the already-strong RCB batting line-up. Fans are already perplexed as to why Virat has not brought in Southee to strengthen their bowling. So expect Virat to make this change to avoid conceding runs in the death-overs.

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Moeen Ali instead of Colin de Grandhomme

Moeen Ali

Moeen Ali was bought by the Royal Challengers for just INR 1.7 crore at the auctions. But the solid English all-rounder is yet to play a game for RCB this season. It is indeed surprising to see a world-class player like Ali warming the bench, as he is someone who can stabilize the batting as well as trouble the batsmen with his off-breaks.

An experienced player like Ali will no doubt be a better option than de Grandhomme, who scored just 11 runs and failed to play a part with the ball in the previous game. Though a part-timer, Moeen Ali can bowl the full quota of four overs given his rich experience.

So expect Virat to bring in Ali, who can make an instant impact in the already beleaguered RCB side.