IPL 2020: 3 Players RCB should look to target in the auction

The 13th edition of the IPL might be a good 6-7 months away, but that hasn't stopped the fans from creating a buzz around the world's biggest T20 league. Recently, the date and venue for the IPL auction were confirmed, and there is already a lot of interest around the event.

The auction will take place in Kolkata on the 19th of December, while the trade window will be active till the 14th of November.

In addition to the budget remaining after last year's auction, teams will be given an extra ₹3 crore to bolster their squads. The trade window has so far seen Delhi Capitals trade Sherfane Rutherford for Mayank Markande from Mumbai Indians.

RCB finished rock-bottom in the table last season, but the difference between them and the 4th placed team (SRH) was just one point. The Bangalore-based franchise has revamped its coaching staff and has hired the likes of Simon Katich and Mike Hesson.

RCB will have ₹4.8 crore heading into the auction and they can increase that amount by releasing the likes of Shimron Hetmyer, Shivam Dube and Marcus Stoinis.

Here, we take a look at 3 players RCB should look to target in the upcoming auction.

#3 Chris Green

Chris Green

Chris Green has made a name for himself as a T20 specialist in various leagues around the world. He is an uncapped player and as a result, had a bargain base price in last year's auction.

Green would have expected at least one of the eight teams to bid for him, but unfortunately none of them did. That would have come as quite a shock to those who follow T20 leagues.

The Australian has played 74 T20s and picked up 62 wickets at a strike rate of 23.7. He has a terrific economy rate of 6.7. While his wicket-taking ability isn't the best, he is someone who excels at tying down opposition batsmen.

Green restricts the batsmen at one end and allows his partners to pick up the wickets at the other. RCB don't have a bowler like him, which is why he could add considerable value to the squad. He would allow Yuzvendra Chahal to be more attacking and pick up more wickets.

The South Africa-born player is more than decent with the bat in hand too, and has the ability to score 15-20 crucial runs at the end. He has been in superb form in the CPL and he will surely be on RCB's wish-list.

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#2 Rassie van der Dussen

Australia v South Africa - ICC Cricket World Cup 2019

Rassie van der Dussen has had a stellar 12 months, which have seen him turn into one of South Africa's best batsmen. A lot was expected from Van der Dussen as he was the one shouldered with the responsibility of replacing AB de Villiers, and he didn't let the weight of expectations get the better of him.

He has been brilliant in the T20 leagues he has played in, and has had a whirlwind start to his international career. Van der Dussen has an average of 74 in the ODI format and has struck 7 half-centuries in just 14 innings.

The 30-year-old had a great World Cup campaign and was a shining light in what was a poor outing for South Africa. He scored 311 runs in 6 innings at a strike rate of 90.4.

Van der Dussen often found himself in tricky situations and showed great courage and application to dig the team out of trouble. The Pretoria-born lad showed that he has the ability to adapt to any situation.

He has played 101 T20s and scored 3153 runs at an average of nearly 38. His strike rate of 131.04 also makes for good reading.

Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers were the only batsmen who were in good form last season, and they failed to get significant support. Van der Dussen could be the ideal foil to those two, and he could strengthen their middle order.

#1 Mitchell Starc

Mitchell Starc

Mitchell Starc is undoubtedly one of the best fast bowlers in the world, who can terrorize all the opposition players. He has tremendous pace and can easily bowl at speeds exceeding 145 kph. To go with the pace, he also has the perfect yorker and a mean bouncer.

Starc is excellent with the new ball and an absolute beast at the death. He is the perfect fast bowler and would be a great addition to any of the eight teams.

The Australian star had a stellar World Cup as he ended the tournament as the highest wicket-taker. He picked up 27 wickets in just 10 games at a strike rate of 20.5, and boasted of an economy rate of less than 5.5.

There were quite a few doubts about how he would perform in the tournament considering he had an injury prior to the event. However, he put all those doubts to bed with his performances.

RCB lack a wicket-taking fast bowler who can support Navdeep Saini, and Starc could be the perfect acquisition. The former RCB player could form a deadly partnership with Saini and Dale Steyn (if he is retained).