IPL 2019: 3 changes which might change RCB's fortunes against KKR

RCB are one of the best teams to have never won the Indian Premier League. The franchise have always been blessed with a lot of superstars but they have still failed to win the premier tournament. This season, RCB fans must have been hoping for a change in scene, but it has not been the cast till now.

The team, led by Indian captain Virat Kohli, have got off to a disastrous start this season. RCB have lost their first four matches and their chances of qualifying for the playoffs look bleak.

The Bangalore-based franchise will have to raise their game if they want to get a good result against KKR on Friday. RCB would need to get their team combination right if they want to challenge the dangerous Kolkata outfit. So let us look at the changes which can help the cause of RCB against KKR

#1 Moeen Ali out - Washington Sundar in

Moeen Ali - Source: BCCI/IPLT20.com

Moeen Ali was impressive in the Test series last year when India toured England. The English all-rounder has the ability to contribute with bat and ball but he has failed to deliver for RCB this season. He has the batting average of just 14 and has conceded runs at an economy rate of more than 8.

RCB might look towards Washington Sundar to replace Ali as the all-rounder in the team. Sundar has similar traits as Ali, which makes him a good like-for-like replacement for the Englishman.

His inclusion will also free up a spot for another overseas professional which could be beneficial for the franchise. After his below-par performances in last season's IPL, Sundar has been overlooked by the RCB team management thus far this season. If he gets another chance for RCB, he will have to make that chance count.

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#2 Umesh Yadav out - Nathan Coulter-Nile in

Umesh Yadav - Source: BCCI/IPLT20.com

RCB must have been expecting an international fast bowler like Umesh Yadav to do well consistently. But he has failed to make any impact this season. The right-arm fast bowler has failed to pick up wickets in the powerplay and to make the matters worse, he has leaked runs and at an economy rate of almost 8.50.

The RCB team management might be considering the thought of dropping the experienced fast bowler. They have a ready-made replacement in the form of Nathan Coulter-Nile. The Australian fast bowler has the ability to bowl deadly yorkers in the slog overs.

He can also come up with the big hits in the death overs which makes him a great utility option in this format of the game. On the other hand, a bit of rest might help Umesh Yadav in regaining his form as he will get some time to work on his game.

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#3 Shimron Hetmyer out - Tim Southee in

Tim Southee - Source: BCCI/IPLT20.com

Coming into the tournament, there were a lot of expectations from Shimron Hetmyer. The talented West Indian youngster had done well in the ODI series against India in 2018. But the left-hander has failed to make an impact in the IPL this season.

In the first four matches of the season, Hetmyer has failed to register double-digit scores. Considering his auction price of ₹4.20 crores, he seems to be an expensive mistake right now. RCB might consider dropping him to bolster their bowling line-up as they have leaked way too many runs.

RCB management can opt to go with Tim Southee against KKR. The experienced Kiwi pacer is yet to make an appearance this season. While this move threatens to make the batting weak, RCB have other quality batsmen to cope with Hetmyer's absence. Southee can contribute by picking up early wickets and he is also a handy customer with the bat as he is capable of playing some big shots in the death overs.

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