IPL 2019: 5 decisions that Virat Kohli could make to change RCB's fortune

After promising a better performance in this year's IPL, Royal Challengers Bangalore have yet again started the tournament with two straight losses. Even though the pitch conditions at Chepauk and the umpire's wrong decision in the following game can be stated as the reasons for the failures, Kohli would be aware of the fact that a few changes need to be made in the setup to achieve better results.

With 2 games behind them and 0 points against their name in the points table, RCB would be hoping to fix the issues before it becomes too late to address. As Kohli cleared before the start of IPL 2019, failures they suffered in the past seasons were mainly due to the bad decisions made and not the quality of players involved.

Hence we would like to list out the 5 decisions that Kohli could make to turn back his team's fortune.

#5. Retaining himself at no.3

Kohli is synonymous with no.3

All the RCB fans out there would be fuming at me after reading this. But, let me explain. After opening in the first IPL game, Kohli opted to come in at no.3 in the next match. This proved to be a fruitful decision and he ended up scoring 46 runs that comprised of 6 lovely boundaries.

Now that Moeen Ali has failed to play the opener role to perfection, Kohli might re-consider opening in the third game. In our opinion, we believe that it would be better if he retains his position at no.3 and not open the innings. A master class like Kohli does not require the leverage of field restrictions to score runs at the top.

He is a champion player who can pierce the gap between the fielders to perfection and score runs at ease at any given conditions. Instead, the opening slot could be handed to someone who can make use of the powerplay overs and give the team a good start that Kohli can continue with.

#4. Fixing the middle order fiasco

Shimron Hetmyer failed to replicate his international success in IPL

If you have been following RCB for a while, it is clearly visible that the team lacks a solid middle order barring AB de Villiers. One can even go on to say that if Kohli and AB de Villiers fail with the bat, RCB will end up with a paltry score on board more often than not. Over the past few years, many players were tried in the middle order with a solution yet to be achieved.

When they picked Shimron Hetmyer at the auction, many believed that RCB has finally found a solution to their major problem. But his scores of 0 and 5 in the first two games has further rubbed salt to the wound. RCB would be hoping that the West Indian batsman finds his form sooner than later.

With Stoinis likely being available for selection from Sunday's game, RCB camp would be looking to fix the problems in their middle order and form a formidable batting unit that could strengthen their chances of winning.

#3. Utilizing the Indian players to the fullest

Washington Sundar seems like a forgotten talent

We should admit the fact that we were left shocked by the decision of RCB to not play Washinton Sundar in the IPL opener that took place in Chennai, his home ground. He seemed like a clear favourite with the ball in the venue after seeing how things panned out later in the evening.

Sundar can even be used in the powerplay where he looks really efficient with the ball. He also holds the experience of the same at the international level. Players like Himmat Singh, Devdutt Padikkal, Milind Kumar and Akshdeep Nath could answer the problems faced by the team in the middle order.

Prayas Barman is another young talent waiting in the wings to prove his mettle when provided with the opportunity. We do hope that the Indian captain trusts the players at the domestic level more and give them enough chances to prove.

#2. Picking right contenders for the Overseas slots

Colin de Grandhomme is yet to prove his worth in IPL

OK! We understand that every one of us would have a difference of opinion when it comes to the overseas slots. But, picking Colin de Grandhomme in the XI ahead of Tim Southee and Heinrich Klaasen when both of them are available left a lot of us confused.

His scores of 4 and 2 with the bat and a wicket-less but expensive spell of 3 overs in the last game makes it really difficult to understand his role in the team. Instead, he could be replaced by Klaasen who is an able middle order batsman or even Southee who could strengthen the bowling attack.

Shimron Hetmyer will be provided with a few more chances before he is possibly replaced by Marcus Stoinis. Moeen Ali can even be traded for Washington Sundar to accommodate Hetmyer in the XI in case if RCB looks to extend his run.

One way or the other, RCB should ensure their picks for the overseas slots are utilized properly and the strongest possible XI is identified before it becomes too late.

#1. Make some surprising calls

Akshdeep Nath has the potential to serve in both the departments

They say "When things don't go your way, try altering the method you follow". After all the conventional ways that RCB followed, it seems like the time is now to take an unorthodox route to look for better results.

Some surprising calls that Kohli could make are playing Washington Sundar as an opener, using Heinrich Klaasen as a specialist batsman, going in with less than 4 overseas players, playing Prayas Barman as a second wrist spinner, etc.,

Sundar's performance as an opener in Tamil Nadu Premier League, Klaasen's ability to score runs against spinners in the middle overs, the inability of a few overseas players picked and form with which Barman awaits his IPL debut justifies the surprising calls we have suggested in this article.

That concludes the list of decisions that we feel Kohli could make to achieve his goal of winning the IPL trophy. We wish him the very best in the games to follow.

Please voice out your opinions in the comments section below.