IPL 2014: Royal Challengers Bangalore's ideal playing XI

RCB will be hopeful that Chris Gayle will continue his form from previous IPLs

The Royal Challengers Bangalore have built a squad that looks strong on paper, having secured the likes of Yuvraj Singh and Albie Morkel in the auction, to ably support the trio of Virat Kohli, Chris Gayle and AB de Villiers. One may argue that their bowling line up looks weak in comparison. However, if they choose their playing XI carefully, they soon might have the winning combination they have longed for all these years. The best possible RCB XI would be:

1) Chris Gayle: The explosive opener from Jamaica has been RCB’s star batsman for the past three years. His extraordinary ability to punish bowlers at will, and his attacking strokeplay at the outset, have transformed him into the batsman every team fears to bowl to. Brandishing deliveries with disdain, Gayle has reached this phenomenal stature, and is a match-winner on his day. One can safely conclude that RCB possess the best T20 opener in the world in their ranks.

2) Parthiv Patel: In Parthiv Patel, RCB have the tiny package which can serve as the perfect foil to the monstrous Chris Gayle. Parthiv Patel wouldn’t mind playing second fiddle to the latter, as long as he can hold up one end safely while Gayle demolishes the opposition. Also, Parthiv can play a few shots of his own and is handy with the gloves too. Having invested in a solid keeper, RCB have ensured that AB gets to display his heroics on the field, saving plenty of runs for his side, as he always does.

3) Virat Kohli: Is there a better No.3 batsman in limited overs cricket right now? Kohli has been the heart and soul of the Indian batting line-up for a while now, and his ability to generate sensational performances repeatedly speaks volumes about his consistency. The RCB skipper was the highest Indian run-getter during IPL VI, and would like to continue in the same vein this year as well. He can play sedate knocks to set a solid foundation, and he can unleash the big strokes to win matches single-handedly. No total is safe when Kohli is alive in the chase.

4) Yuvraj Singh: The man making the headlines, the most expensive player in the history of IPL, Yuvraj might have finally found the team that suits him best. The flamboyance and panache of the Royal Challengers will do a lot of good to the southpaw, who can now let his uninhibited strokes rise to the forefront. One of the most feared batsmen in the shortest format of the game, Yuvraj will be looking to make it count this year, and justify his price in the process. Lethal with the bat and acrobatic on the field, Yuvraj also provides a part-time spin bowling option; and RCB would simply love that.

5) AB de Villiers: One wouldn’t find a better batsman across all three formats currently, even if they tried with all their might. AB de Villiers can hit it all around the park and there is no stopping him. Be it with the bat, or on the field, AB is a class act. He can bat at any position, and in any situation, handy on the field, handy with the gloves, AB de Villiers is a huge asset in every possible way.

6) Vijay Zol: India’s U-19 captain has already proved his mettle in domestic cricket and in the U-19 Asia Cup. Zol would now like to replicate the success of his RCB skipper, Virat Kohli, who too joined the team as an uncapped 19-year old. Amidst all the big-hitters in the line-up, Vijay Zol provides the required stability, and comes across as a promising talent.

7) Albie Morkel: RCB’s quest for a fast bowling all-rounder ends here, as Morkel fits in the role quite easily. He is excellent with the new ball and will look to boost Bangalore’s bowling line-up. Albie can also score quick runs with the bat, and is the best bet for the No.7 position.

Mitchell Starc – Answer to RCB’s bowling woes

8) Mitchell Starc: The fiery pacer from Australia might just be the solution to RCB’s bowling woes. He will add the much needed fire to RCB’s bowling, and his brutal pace and swing will be very crucial. Although Rampaul is the other fast bowling overseas option, Bangalore would like to test Starc, who looks like a great prospect for a frontline bowler.

9) Shadab Jakati: When it comes to spin bowling, Jakati has already done well for CSK in the IPL previously. RCB would be hoping to extract the same kind of form from this young Indian uncapped player this season.

10) Varun Aaron: One of the fastest Indian bowlers at present, Varun Aaron offers sheer pace to the bowling attack. He could do well in tandem with Starc, and RCB would look up to him for the early breakthrough. If only he stays away from injuries, Aaron will be a great value addition to the attack.

11) Ashok Dinda: Although Dinda got mauled by Gayle last season, playing for a beleaguered Pune Warriors India, he will be happy this time around to be playing for the same team as Chris Gayle. With Dinda, RCB now have some depth in terms of bowling options, and would seek to maximize the benefits from the same. Further, if the IPL is moved to South Africa, Dinda and Aaron would be the happiest.

Can RCB live up to all the hype and expectations? Bring on the Gangnam!