IPL 2019: 3 surprise tactics which could be used by RCB

The Indian Premier League is just a week away and the Royal Challengers Bangalore are getting ready to take on the Chennai Super Kings in the first match of the tournament on March 23.

The RCB finished a lowly 6th last season, failing to qualify for the playoffs. Prior to that, they finished as the league's wooden spoon holders. With Virat Kohli at the helm and a few worthy additions to the team in the form of Shimron Hetmyer, Heinrich Klaasen, and Shivam Dube, to name a few, they will look to turn things around this season.

In order to get back to winning ways and throw a challenge at winning the title, we could see a few surprise tactics up the team management's sleeves.

Let's take a look at a few of these tactics which could be used:

---

#3 Moeen Ali to open the batting

Moeen Ali

English all-rounder Moeen Ali joined the Royal Challengers Bangalore last season and while he did not play all the matches, he did have a few significant contributions in the matches he did play.

He scored 77 runs in 5 matches last season, including a fifty against the Sunrisers Hyderabad.

RCB have faced a few issues with the opening combination for the past couple of years and have tried out many players at the top. This season, the team management could opt to open with Moeen Ali alongside either Virat Kohli or Parthiv Patel.

An aggressive batsman, Ali could provide the perfect start for RCB if he gets going and lay a good platform for the middle order.

And, of course, he could chip in with 4 overs with the ball as well and pick up a few wickets to help the team's cause.

#2 Washington Sundar as a finisher

Washington Sundar could be used as the finisher of the side

Youngster Washington Sundar did not have a great season last time around with the Royal Challengers Bangalore, putting in just a couple of noteworthy performances.

He showcased his big-hitting ability in a losing cause against the Rajasthan Royals last season, with 35 runs to his name in just 19 deliveries, which included 3 huge sixes and one four.

With RCB having a few problems lower down the order, Sundar could be used as a finisher in addition to the four overs he provides with the ball.

This could help RCB post big totals and chase them down as well. If Sundar is successful, he could be back in the reckoning for a spot in the national team. He will look to make the most of the chances given to him in the upcoming tournament.

Follow Sportskeeda for all the updates on IPL 2019 timetable , news, points table, live scores, orange cap, purple cap and fantasy tips.

#1 Shimron Hetmyer at No. 3

Shimron Hetmyer can help RCB post big totals and chase them down as well

The big-hitting West Indies batsman, at Rs 4.20 crores, was RCB's most expensive buy at the auction this year.

Hetmyer has proved himself time and again with his national side and for the various franchises he plays for in the T20 leagues around the world. He can single-handedly win games for his side and RCB will be hoping for him to bring his A-game into the tournament.

Hetmyer will look to emulate his national teammate Chris Gayle's success at RCB.

He could be used at no. 3, with Virat Kohli opening the innings along with either Parthiv Patel or Moeen Ali.

And with AB de Villiers to come in at no. 4 after Hetmyer, we could see a lot of big totals from RCB this time around, which could help them go a long way in the tournament.