IPL 2019: The perfect playing XI for RCB

Middle order (AB de Villiers, Akshdeep Nath, Washington Sundar, Shivam Dube/Pawan Negi)

AB de Villiers

Of course, AB de Villiers should come in to bat at number four. However, the major changes should take place after de Villiers. RCB have tried to play Shimron Hetmyer at number five, but that hasn’t worked out well for them. Hetmyer has a lot of potential, but he has constantly struggled to score runs and has failed to justify his place in the playing XI.

Instead of using Heinrich Klaasen to replace him at number five, RCB could instead use one of their Indian batsmen. Looking at other successful franchises, they all seem to have one thing in common – a strong Indian middle order. In fact, CSK only used three overseas players in their first couple of matches.

Just like they (RCB) trust their Indian bowlers (Umesh Yadav and Navdeep Saini) to bowl, RCB could try showing a little more faith in their Indian batsmen. That being said, they could try using someone like Akshdeep Nath at number five. Akshdeep has a terrific domestic record in first-class cricket. He can bat quite well if given the responsibility.

At number six, RCB could try using Washington Sundar. He emerged as a crucial player for RCB last year. They retained him this year, but are yet to use him. Washington Sundar has a lot of potential. He is someone who can bat quite well and hit the ball hard which would make him a crucial batsman for RCB in the death overs. Moreover, he can bowl quite well in the powerplay as well which gives Kohli another bowling option.

At number 7, RCB could try to use either Shivam Dube or Pawan Negi. Dube is a hard-hitting batsman who can strike the ball long and hard. He has a terrific first class record and has even hit five sixes in an over on two occasions this past Ranji season.

In 9 matches that he has played for Mumbai, he has scored 710 runs at an average of 50.71. Dube can also be quite useful with the ball and holds a pretty good bowling record as well. He has scalped 28 wickets in his first class career at an average of 22.57.

Pawan Negi, on the other hand, is no different. He can also be a destructive batsman and can also bowl a few useful overs. Both Negi and Dube have similar styles and either of them could help bolster RCB’s lower order batting and bowling.

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