5 players RCB need to sign to win IPL 2019

Royal Challengers Bangalore endured yet another miserable IPL campaign, failing to make the playoffs after a string of defeats. Equipped with a formidable batting line-up once again and having strengthened the bowling attack - at least on paper - RCB were most fans' favourites to lift the trophy this year, however, it was not to be.

While the likes of AB de Villiers and Virat Kohli impressed yet again, it was the supporting cast that flattered to deceive, resulting in yet another finish in the bottom half of the points table. RCB need to strengthen their squad quite a bit ahead of the next season of the IPL if they are to compete for the trophy and even go on to lift it for the first time in their history.

Here is a look at five players that can help Kohli's side go all the way next season:

#5 Jonny Bairstow

Bairstow has grown by leaps and bounds over the past couple of years and is now an integral part of the English side in Tests and ODIs. He showed he is more than capable of handling himself on the big stage, striking 3 consecutive ODI centuries for England.

Bairstow went unsold in the 2018 auctions at a base price of 1.5 crores but considering his recent performances for England it would be a huge mistake if teams do not pick him up next season.

Quinton de Kock misfired more often than not at the top of the order for RCB last season and it is high time he is dropped. Bairstow can take the attack to the bowlers at the start and is a top-notch keeper as well. He has never featured in the IPL but next year could be the year he lights the competition on fire.

#4 James Faulkner

James Faulkner

While James Faulkner has fallen out of favour with Australian selectors of late, he remains a handy player to have in the shorter formats of the game.

Faulkner has a number of variations up his sleeve to keep the batsmen guessing and he is a more-than-useful lower-order hitter, capable of adding quick runs to the team's total.

Faulkner averages 21 in the IPL with a strike rate of 135 and has also picked up 59 wickets playing for the likes of Kings XI Punjab and Rajasthan Royals amongst others, and could be a smart addition to the RCB squad after going unsold last season.

#3 Moises Henriques

BBL - Sixers v Stars

RCB really lacked a top-quality all-rounder last season. Moeen Ali's role was not clearly defined and he was thrust into open the innings on the odd occasion as well.

Colin de Grandhomme is more miss than hit and Chris Woakes faded away badly after a promising start. Moises Henriques meanwhile has consistently performed at a high level in the Big Bash League for the Sydney Sixers although he missed out in the previous edition.

Henriques has an uncanny ability to pick up wickets whenever he is handed the ball and he is a capable striker as well. If RCB do rope him in, he can ease the pressure on De Villiers and Kohli and help strengthen both bowling and batting departments.

#2 Dale Steyn

Dale Steyn

Dale Steyn, when fit, is by far the most feared bowler in the international circuit. Steyn has the ability to swing the new ball both ways at serious pace and he can return at the death to deliver toe-crushing yorkers.

Steyn remained unsold in the 2018 auctions but it will be a surprise if he doesn't get any takers next time around considering the performances of many of the star bowlers. RCB have always struggled with their bowling and need a bowler like Steyn in their ranks.

The South African has a wealth of IPL experience as well, having turned out for the likes of Sunrisers, Deccan Chargers and RCB themselves in the past.

#1 Joe Root

England v Australia - 1st Royal London ODI

Yet another Englishman on the list, Joe Root, despite being one of the finest all-format batsmen in the world, went unsold in the 2018 auction. He would be the perfect addition to an RCB side lacking middle-order stability.

Kohli's side endured numerous batting collapses this past season and Root's presence would help rectify that. Moreover, he can also take over the captaincy duties to take the pressure off Kohli.

Root averages 39 in T20Is and strikes at 128. Equipped with the ability to play spin and pace equally well and no discernible weakness in his game, he could be the missing piece in the RCB puzzle.

Which player do you think RCB should target ahead of next season? Let us know in the comments.