IPL 2018: Four reasons why RCB will sneak into the playoffs

At the business end of IPL, only two teams look settled and have made it to the playoffs. One is SRH which has the best bowling line-up while the other is CSK which has the best batting line-up in the IPL. Other five teams are in the race to qualify for the remaining two spots.

One of the contenders to make it to the playoffs are Royal Challengers Bangalore. They had a disastrous start to the IPL due to which they were languishing at the bottom of the table. One of the reasons for RCB's poor performance was their bowling. After spending heavily on the bowling unit during the auctions it still came short. The likes of Chris Woakes, Kulwant Khejroliya, and Washington Sundar have failed to impress.

After chopping and changing the team to get the team combination right, the Red Army has finally found two stars in Collin De Grandhomme and Tim Southee who have lent teeth to their sick bowling unit. Currently, at the 5th position on the table with 6 points, they still have a chance to make it to the playoffs.

Here are the four reasons why the Red Army can sneak into the playoffs:

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#4 Death bowling is sorted

Tim Southee was brilliant at the death against Mumbai

In the match against CSK, RCB had set a target of 206. Chennai was struggling at 74 for 4 in 9 overs and, it looked like RCB would comfortably win. Shockingly, they lost the match as Dhoni hit Corey Anderson for 17 runs off the final over. Such shoddy bowling display was disheartening to watch, and the team management quickly made changes for their next matches.

The results of the change bore fruit when RCB played Mumbai at their home ground. Defending a par score of 167, the bowling unit stood up and helped the home team win by 14 runs. The entry of Tim Southee into the side as a specialist death bowler has yielded dividends as the New Zealander has stopped the run flow and taken wickets at the end.

With the biggest headache of death bowling sorted, RCB's bowling unit looks much better and, it will help them during their remaining matches.

#3 Indian players coming to the party

Umesh Yadav has been on fire in this year's IPL

Indian players account for almost 70% of any IPL squad. Their performance becomes critical to the team's success. Over the years, RCB had amazing foreign players with the likes of ABD, Gayle, Watson etc. who have performed consistently. It was the Indian players who were struggling in the side and, that was one of the reasons why RCB was faltering.

During this year, we have seen a change from the past as the likes of Mandeep Singh, Umesh Yadav etc. have dished out good performances. Umesh Yadav has bowled exceptionally well and has taken 17 wickets in 12 matches. In the spin department, Chahal has been impressive and has controlled the middle overs. Notably, in the previous match, Chahal did not concede a six and this put more pressure on the Mumbai's batsmen.

Going ahead if the Indian players continue their rich vein of form, RCB may not only sneak into playoffs but also may go on to win the title.

#2 Lower order batting woes solved

Collin De Grandhomme

Cricket pundits and commentators have always said that RCB looks top heavy and shallow at the bottom. Again this season, the addition of DeKock and Mccullum has strengthened the top order but along with it, they picked up Colin De GrandHomme who is an all-rounder.

The team management missed a trick by not including Collin De Grandhomme in the initial games. His addition to the team is valuable as it has lent solidity to the lower order. In one of the crucial matches, he plundered 25 runs off the last over and, that was one of the major reason why RCB won against Mumbai. His bowing along with his athletic fielding makes him one of the most valuable players for the team.

In the race to qualify for the playoffs, the all-rounder from New Zealand will have a pivotal role to play.

#1 Kohli's form and aggressive captaincy

Virat Kohli has looked in good touch

Virat Kohli as a batsman as started the season with a bang. In the eight matches that RCB has played, he has scored 514 runs at an astounding average of 57.11. To get the team combination right, he had to sacrifice his batting position and play as an opener. His adaptability and to keep the scoreboard ticking make him one of the best players in the shortest format of the game. In 2016, with his batting, he single-handedly took the team to the finals. This year too with his batting he looks a man on a mission.

As much as the fans want RCB to win, Virat Kohli also looks eager and determined to win the trophy this year. His aggressive captaincy was on display when in one of the matches he bowled out Umesh Yadav before the 10th over because he was looking for wickets. His field placements and shrewd bowling changes have been effective.

Looking at his batting form and captaincy, only a few would bet against RCB reaching the playoffs.