IPL 2020: RCB's predicted playing XI

Middle Order: Virat Kohli (c), AB de Villiers (wk)

Kohli and De Villiers are undoubtedly RCB's two most important batsmen

Two constants of the RCB team over many IPL seasons, captain Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers come in at No. 3 and No. 4 respectively.

While the Indian captain seems to be in good nick in the nets in the UAE, De Villiers can be expected to don the gloves for RCB in IPL 2020. The former South African captain has been practising his wicket-keeping in the nets, and coach Katich has stated that the option of De Villiers behind the stumps is one that is being considered.

De Villiers kept wickets for the Brisbane Heat in the Big Bash League (BBL) earlier this year, and him taking up the role would all but guarantee Padikkal's place in the XI ahead of Parthiv.

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Spin-bowling all-rounders: Moeen Ali, Washington Sundar

Moeen Ali adds great balance to the RCB line-up

Moeen Ali will be the third overseas player in the RCB XI for IPL 2020, and in all probability, he will come in at No. 5. The Englishman adds great balance to the side, with his aggressive batting against the spinners and handy off-spin that is highly potent on turning tracks.

RCB have often lacked quality middle-order batsmen who can step up if Kohli and De Villiers fail, and Ali's experience and skill might greatly help the franchise.

The other spin-bowling all-rounder who could play for RCB is Washington Sundar. The off-spinner's prowess in the powerplay overs will add an extra dimension to RCB's bowling attack, and this would also mean that star spinner Yuzvendra Chahal won't need to be wasted with the new ball this IPL.

Sundar also offers something with the bat, and he will be competing with Gurkeerat Singh for a place in the playing XI in IPL 2020. The Punjab batsman is a better option with the bat in hand, but it is likely that RCB opt for the youngster.

Note: It is unlikely that Sundar will come in at No. 6, and he has merely been included here to club him in with Ali.