As the 13th edition of the Indian Premier League will kickstart from September 19th in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), fans, cricket experts, current and former cricketers are busy discussing and debating over the upcoming season of the IPL.
Recently, former Indian cricketer and commentator Aakash Chopra did a SWOT analysis of IPL franchise Royal Challengers Bangalore.
Royal Challengers Bangalore has been one of the unluckiest teams in the IPL history. Even after their IPL journey of 12 years, Virat Kohli-led Royal Challengers Bangalore, the team has failed to get their hands on an IPL trophy.
Aakash Chopra did a deep analysis of the Virat Kohli led Royal Challengers Bangalore and highlighted the weaknesses of the RCB squad. He said that the mistakes made by the selectors during the auctions, can pose a threat to the team on-field. He said:
“There are some glaring weaknesses in the RCB squad. It is true that when you have not done well in the first big auction, you are always left behind. Because even if you try to pick players in mini auctions or trading windows, you have gaping holes and you don’t get the right players to fill them,”
Aakash Chopra started off by discussing the batting line-up of the team. He opined that the RCB management should give preference to the Indian duo of Dube and Sundar ahead of Morris and Moeen due to their experience. He said:
“One of their problems has been their death over batting. If AB de Villiers and Virat Kohli play till the end it is fine, but if not then who? It can be a matter of concern although it is better than earlier because they have Moeen Ali, Shivam Dube, Washington Sundar and Chris Morris,”
He added:
“Dube and Sundar have played quite a bit for India and have scored runs and done their job, they are far more experienced. They should play Moeen Ali down the order and with the new acquisition Chris Morris, the four of them together can do the job even though they may not be the best in the world,”
Aakash Chopra then highlighted how RCB will feel the absence of a good death bowling as none of the bowlers from their squad Chris Morris, Dale Steyn, Navdeep Saini, Umesh Yadav, and Mohammed Siraj– are famous for their death bowling. He said:
“The second problem is the death over bowling. Chris Morris is not a gun death bowler, even if you play Dale Steyn, he is also not a gun death bowler. Then who is the gun death bowler – Navdeep Saini, Umesh Yadav, Mohammed Siraj – they do not inspire the confidence that you would perhaps want.
He added:
“Their threat is that they are not able to play the correct XI. That has been a bit of a concern and they become a little impatient. I would say pick your four overseas and stick with them for a little while. Same is the case with their Indian players,”
Aakash Chopra concluded the video by saying that RCB’s past failures can haunt the team.
Here, watch the video:
