IPL 2018: 5 underrated players who can provide the X-factor to RCB

The Royal Challengers Bangalore have had a good squad in almost all the seasons of IPL so far, but for some reason, they have not managed to win the title yet. They have been very, very close to it a couple of times in the past, but somehow the silverware has never come their way. They would hope to break this barrier in the upcoming season and there is no reason why they can’t do it given the squad they picked in the auction.

The RCB squad on paper looks a star-studded line up in the presence of Virat Kohli, AB de Villiers, Brendon McCullum and Quinton de Kock. While all eyes will be on those big boys, there are a few underrated players in there as well who might not be the biggest of the names in the cricket world just yet, but can provide the X-factor to the team.

Here are 5 such underrated players who may end up making key contributions for RCB through the course of IPL 2018:

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#1 Pawan Negi

RCB used RTM to secure the services of Pawan Negi

RCB retained Pawan Negi by using the Right to Match (RTM) card in the auction and it was not surprising at all considering how well Negi had performed for them last season. While the team was in absolute shambles in IPL 2017 losing games after games, Negi was one shining light as he was extremely consistent with the ball.

Negi, who features for Delhi in the Indian domestic circuit, is an accurate left arm spinner. He doesn’t spin the ball square, but has got a good arm ball in his armoury and his biggest strength is that he always nags around in the areas where the batsmen don’t like it. Very rarely does he give the batsmen any room to free their arms or any long hop to pounce upon.

And to go with his bowling potential, the 25-year old is a very handy lower order batsman as well. He is a small man, but he packs a punch and is capable of depositing the ball into the stands against both fast bowlers as well as the spinners.

#2 Manan Vohra

Manan Vohra was a decent performer for his previous franchise Kings XI Punjab

Manan Vohra at Rs, 1.1 Crore was another fantastic buy for RCB. Vohra has been playing IPL for a few years now and he has played some breath-taking knocks in the tournament in the past. He is a modern day top-order batsman who has got his defence all sorted, but if and when he wants, can go over the top as well. His range of shots is pretty impressive and he can hit the ball in different areas of the ground.

Vohra generally opens in white ball cricket and that’s where RCB will look to slot him too. He is likely to partner one out of Brendon McCullum and Quinton de Kock at the top of the order. The classy right-hander will aim to replicate the success he achieved playing for his previous franchise Kings XI Punjab and in the process, present his case to the national selectors for an opportunity in the shortest format.

#3 Navdeep Saini

Navdeep Saini was a star for Delhi in

first class

cricket this season

Navdeep Saini caught a lot of eyes in the Ranji Trophy this season. Playing for Delhi, the right-arm seamer put on some amazing performances on not-so-responsive surfaces and won the games for his team. His spell in the second innings of the semi-final against West Bengal where he got 4 for 35 was a treat to watch as he rattled some experienced players with his pace.

While Saini can present the seam beautifully with the new ball and get it shaping away from the right handers, he can hit the deck a fair bit too with the old ball later on. Also because he is well-built physically, he gets that extra bit of carry off the deck whenever he puts his shoulders into the deliveries.

This is going to be the first ever IPL for the Haryana born youngster and he will be keen to make a mark on the big stage.

#4 Nathan Coulter-Nile

Nathan Coulter-Nile's international career has been a mixed bag so far

Nathan Coulter-Nile’s international career has not quite taken off the way it should have or the way he would have expected it too and the injuries have a lot to do with it. However, when he is fit, he is one fantastic bowler to have for any captain.

Coulter-Nile is someone who bowls what they call the “heavy ball”. He doesn’t appear to be as quick as he eventually turns out to be. He is not a sprinter in his run up, but with that extra bit of intensity in the last stride, he gets the ball fizzing off the surface and often surprises the batsman with his pace and carry.

RCB fans won’t have too many pleasant memories of Coulter-Nile as he bowled a lethal spell against the men in Red the previous season playing for the Kolkata Knight Riders, however now they would want him to do the same to the opposing teams.

#5 Colin de Grandhomme

Colin de Grandhomme can hit a long ball

Colin de Grandhomme is another ex-KKR player whom RCB has bought. The Zimbabwe-born all-rounder, who features for New Zealand at the international stage, is one muscular hitter with the bat. He has got tremendous power at his disposal and he has played quite a few match-defining knocks for the Blackcaps in white ball cricket in the last 12-15 month or so.

De Grandhomme’s height is a big advantage for him against the spinners as he has got a tad more reach with his feet and can get to the pitch of the ball from his crease itself and doesn’t necessarily have to come down the track to loft the spinners into the stands. He hits some mind-boggling sixes when he is on song.

De Grandhomme is a useful bowler as well and can be the 5th or the 6th bowling option for RCB. He is not an ideal man to be handed the ball in the power play or in the death as he doesn’t have a lot of pace and neither is he is a master at variations. But the captain can sneak a couple of overs out of him in the middle overs.