RCB has been the second-most costliest team in IPL. These guys came in with a tag of test-players, finished at spot seven in the inaugural season resulting in Coach change, advisors change, captain change and a change in IPL venue helped RCB finish as runners-up in the second season held in South Africa last year. This bunch of cricketers in red and gold now can be considered as one of toughest sides in IPL season 3. Well it may sound over-exaggerated but I’ve the following facts backing my belief. DOMESTIC PLAYERS IN PRIMA-FORM: When RCB were young, into their first edition, they seemed like a cluster of players having no bind within them. Moreso, the domestic stars really had a tough time to score runs, take wickets or even catch lollies. The Dravids, the Kumbles, the Zaheers – all failed. Then in the second season RCB camp had a bit respite. The team was better, the players were experienced and the legends were shining. And now, it seems that even the young bloods will go for the kill. Two players, both just touching their 20s, now will act as main candidates in the middle order - Virat Kohli and Manish Pandey. Both of the lads were some stars in the ICC U19 WC 2008 and had a good hand for the season’s success. Virat Kolhi has a certain fixed place in the India ODI XI and has been hitting the cherries with a lot meat. Interestingly, no Indian has been able to overpower him this year, if run scoring and consistency is concerned. Manish Pandey, on the other hand, has just not got any chance in the national squad, but he has been the leading run scorer in first-class cricket this Ranji season. Not to forget, he is the only Indian to score a century in any IPL game. He did that last year. And then, Robin Uthappa is the one who can always chip with good shots and handy innings, plus he can be gr8 keeper too. Not to mention the Dravid – the wall, is also there. Bowling also isn’t far away. Mithun, Vinay Kumar, and Pravin – all have been in good touch with the white cherry. Anil Kumble is again not the one to be mentioned. AVAILABILITY OF OVERSEAS BLOKES: Deccan, Chennai and many are well troubled citing the unavailability of their respective foreign players as because of players’ national commitments. But it is different for RCB. These guys have most South Africans in their team and ironically RSA is playing no international fixture during the IPL. The only players unavailable will be Kevin Peitersen and Ross Taylor. This can make eyes pop, but RCB has a gr8 bench-strength. Kallis, Morgan, Boucher, White all are there and as we discussed, the domestic stars are always there. For bowling department RCB will just not be hurt; Steyn, van der Merwe both will be playing and then there’s always the Indian force backing up. ALL-ROUND POTENTIAL: RCB did not have any gr8 all-rounder except Kallis. But they seriously lacked a good spin-allorounder. Yeah, there was a Cameron White, but he was not a finished product then. Now, he can be one of the most dangerous players of the tournament, given the fact he gets a place in XI. More is that RCB have bought England’s best T20 cricketer – Eoin Morgan. He had been in a gr8 touch with the bat, can bowl and also keep. Steven Smith of Australia is another young bloke who can service a lot with his leg-breaks and good power hitting, plus he is a gr8 and a pumped fielder. EXPERIENCE POWER AND HOME ADVANTAGE: Test players seriously aren’t meant for T20. But, IPL is different. So don’t be surprised if a Dravid hits a few every over out of the ground or Kumble starts depending upon the Yorkers than the googlies. These both players will be the eternal part of the side and now it feels that their experience will count a lot for a side. And IPL is back in India too. Bangalore has been a fab cricket venue and their will packed houses for each and every game played. Though Bangalore had no trouble with fan-support due to the number of South Africans in the side in South Africa, playing in India will be a booster. Henceforth, expect this side to make it to the final four quite easily. And many won’t be surprised if Mallya lifts the cup and kisses it on April 25! |
