IPL 2018 Auction: 5 overseas players RCB should look to buy at auction

The Royal Challengers Bangalore have had a mixed history in IPL, and one that has been interesting so far. A team known to be among the biggest entertainers in the field unfortunately have an empty trophy cabinet.

In 2017, RCB had by far their most disappointing season in the league where they finished last and won only 3 out of 14 games.

Going forward, Virat Kohli, AB de Villiers and Sarfaraz Khan are the three players that have been retained by RCB. As they look to start afresh, their first job will be to pick the right combination of overseas players. Here are 5 players that RCB should target at the auction.

#5 Chris Gayle

New Zealand v West Indies - 1st T20

The King of Kingston has had a couple of tough seasons in IPL after ruling the league for several years. Questions were raised about his future with RCB side after their early exit from IPL last season. However, he has silenced his critics brilliantly after a good show in Bangladesh Premier League and has shown everyone that he has still got what it takes to perform on the big stage.

It will not be a surprise if RCB buy their biggest entertainer back!

#4 Morne Morkel

Bowling has been RCB’s Achilles heel for quite some time now. Since Starc’s exit from the team, the men in red have not been able to find a consistent and reliable strike bowler who is not shy of bowling crucial overs.

The tall Morne Morkel with his bustling pace is just the ideal guy for the job. Since his comeback into the South African team after injury, the 33 year-old has been at his devastating best, another factor which will work for him in securing RCB’s bid.

#3 Ben Stokes

Pictue Source - BCCI

The Durham all-rounder could perfectly fit into RCB’s unit for many reasons. Firstly because of his batting prowess in the middle order, and also because he can give an extra bowling option to the captain.

Over the years, the weak bowling attack and lack of bowling options in top 5 has left Virat Kohli without much variety. Stokes’ presence will add a lot of balance to the RCB’s unit.

#2 Shakib Al Hasan

After being relaid, the Chinnaswamy pitch has become slow, low and a bowling paradise. These conditions are tailor-made for someone like Shakib Al Hasan. It is said that RCB’s batting line-up is top heavy and they don’t have someone to rescue their side if Kohli and de Villiers depart early.

Shakib’s experience will make him the perfect man to guide the lower middle order and bail the side out of trouble, and this means RCB may not have to worry too much about playing an extra spinner.

#1 Travis Head

The southpaw from Adelaide was an unsung hero in RCB’s disappointing last season. Head’s cool composure, his striking power and ability to slip in a couple of overs make him an indispensable player. He is more of a low-key player that many teams may not go after at the auction.

If RCB manage to buy Head, they can be assured that they have a great back-up foreign batsman in their ranks.