IPL 2022: 5 players that can help RCB win the title

IPL 2022 will soon enter its 15th season. Among the 10 franchises that will be competing in the event, Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) deserve special mention. They will, yet again, be looking to end their IPL trophy drought.

Despite fielding one of the strongest teams in the IPL consistently, success in the tournament has managed to evade the IPL team repeatedly. Even star batsmen such as AB de Villiers, Virat Kohli, and Shane Watson have been unable to get this side over the line and to the ultimate prize.

Former IPL captain Virat Kohli has frequently expressed his desire to win the tournament and has also noted his frustration at being unable to do so.

The team seemed to be well on track to finally accomplishing this goal during the last year's edition of the tournament. They were the team to beat during the first half of the season and were a red-hot favourite.

Things would, however, fall apart in the second half of the season. They struggled to show the same form they had in the earlier stages and eventually finished third in the league table, behind eventual champions Chennai Super Kings and Delhi Capitals.

This year, however, sees a dramatic change in the make-up of the squad, with signifcant changes having been made.

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A big void has been left in the side due to the retirement of AB de Villiers. Virat Kohli has also been replaced by Faf du Plessis as captain and many will be curious to see what impact this will have on the team.

RCB have also signed a number of experienced players who know how to win tournaments. This article will take a look at five of these players and analyse how their presence could finally propel RCB to glory this year.

Glenn Maxwell

Glenn Maxwell has been in red-hot form for RCB

With de Villiers no longer a part of the team, RCB will need one of their batsmen to play the role of a power-hitter and a finisher. This was a role that Glenn Maxwell took it upon himself during the last season.

Maxwell was in blistering form for the Bengaluru-based team and even overshadowed teammates Kohli and de Villiers on many occasions. The Australian took apart most bowling attacks with his innovative style of batting. The team will be counting on him to produce more of the same this season.

While consistency has often been a key issue for Maxwell, he has shown a greater deal of maturity in his style of cricket over the last year. Never one to play a boring innings, the 'Big Show' does incorporate a lot of risk but has demonstrated much more responsibility in not throwing his wicket away.

RCB have struggled to find a suitable batsman at No. 3. Given Maxwell's strike-rate, he could be the ideal player to build an innings early on while still keeping the scoreboard ticking. He can accelerate towards the back end with greater vigour than most other players.

Harshal Patel

Harshal Patel picked up 30 wickets for RCB during IPL 2021

One of the big gains for RCB during last year's IPL was the emergence of Harshal Patel. Known for their strength in batting but weakness in bowling, RCB were desperate to find a bowler who could be economical, take wickets, and lead their bowling attack.

Harshal would answer this call by taking 30 wickets at an average of just 14.66, which was the joint second-most by a bowler in a single edition of the IPL. His consistency and ability to bowl at the death played a key role in his team's success. The Bengaluru-based side would be hoping for more of the same from Harshal.

While his success with the ball often results in him being viewed as just a bowler, Patel is an all-rounder and does have some ability with the bat. This makes him an even more crucial part of the team. He will be counted on to contribute not just with the ball but also the bat.

Dinesh Karthik

Dinesh Karthik returns to RCB in IPL 2022

There can be no debate about Dinesh Karthik's value as a player and his signing at RCB underscores the team's belief in his ability to help them bring the trophy home.

Karthik is one of the most experienced players in the IPL, having been part of the tournament since its first season, all the way back in 2008. He has represented a number of different franchises over the years, playing a whopping 213 IPL games and amassing 4046 runs.

The wicket-keeper batsman last played for RCB during the 2015 season. He returns after being released by the Kolkata Knight Riders.

RCB will count on his experience and ability to keep calm under pressure and provide stability in the middle order - an area which the team has lacked in.

DK will likely take up the wicket-keeping duties for the team as well, making him a valuable part of the squad.

Josh Hazlewood

Josh Hazlewood's recent T20 form has been deadly

Josh Hazlewood was one of the star bowlers in last year's edition of the IPL and it comes as no surprise that RCB was quick to secure his services during the mega auction.

Known predominantly for his prowess in the Test arena, Hazlewood has developed as a bowler in T20 cricket over the years and has become particularly proficient in this form of the game.

The tall fast bowler was instrumental in Australia winning the T20 World Cup title, picking up 11 wickets at an average of 15.9. He played a key role in the Final as well, having figures of 3/16 in his spell to turn the game in the Aussies' favour.

His time at Chennai Super Kings would have taught him many valuable lessons. Now, RCB would be counting on him to share his experience and help them win the trophy for the first time.

Faf du Plessis

RCB will be hoping that Faf du Plessis leads them to their maiden IPL trophy

Last on this list is former South Africa captain Faf du Plessis. Having joined RCB after moving from CSK, du Plessis was named as captain of the team. Fans will be hoping that this will bring about a change in the team's fortunes.

It goes without saying that du Plessis is a seasoned campaigner who comes with a lot of experience and talent. Having spent the past few seasons at CSK, du Plessis understands the dynamics of what it takes to win the IPL and the leadership qualities that are required to ensure that the team performs well.

As the former captain of the South African team, du Plessis has shown his ability to be a leader and get the most out of his team at the international level.

His ability to remain calm under pressure and handle tough situations well is a key characteristic that has served him well. Many would even argue that the South African team looked completely transformed under his leadership. RCB would be counting on the same happening this season as he takes the reins of the team.

Leadership qualities aside, du Plessis is in terrific form and was one of the highest run-scorers in the last season. He would end up as the second-highest run-scorer of the tournament, amassing an impressive 633 runs.

The former Proteas international has proven to be a depandant and reliable opening batsman over the past few seasons, something that RCB will be counting on as they look to fill the void left by Devdutt Padikkal.

If du Plessis can replicate the tournament that he had last year, there is no doubt that he could be instrumental in leading the team to its first IPL trophy.