IPL 2018: Each franchise's key battles for a spot in the starting XI

Royal Challengers Bangalore

The IPL veteran, Brendon McCullum, could lose out on a starting spot to promising opener Quinton de Kock

The Royal Challengers Bangalore have an amazing squad depth with many options for every player role. This leads to them being spoilt for choice and there are many battles for a place in the starting 11, with the most notable ones being:

Quinton de Kock vs. Brendon McCullum

The first and most unpredictable battle is between the overseas openers, Quinton de Kock and Brendon McCullum. Quinton has time and again demonstrated that he is one for the future. In IPL 2016, he amassed 445 runs for the Delhi Daredevils at an average of 37.08 which included a surreal knock of 108. He didn't feature in IPL 2017 but is back for the 2018 season in Royal Challengers Bangalore colours.

The other option the Bangalore side have is a fine one - Brendon McCullum. Most RCB fans will remember his monstrous 158 in the Chinnaswamy in the very first game in IPL history. "Baz" is extremely explosive and he could be a great addition to the impressive Bangalore batting lineup.

Manan Vohra vs. Parthiv Patel

Both Manan Vohra and Parthiv Patel are underrated batsmen. Parthiv was spectacular for the Mumbai Indians last season and was an unsung hero in their title win. He accumulated an impressive 395 runs last season. He notches up the thirties regularly at a brisk rate, which is ideal for an opener. He also has an added plus point of being brilliant behind the stumps.

Manan Vohra is an explosive opener who has done well for the Kings XI Punjab. Last year, Vohra amassed 229 in 11 games, including a stunning innings of 95. He opened with Virender Sehwag on many occasions and displayed his aggression as he would be the more attacking batsman of the two.

Colin de Grandhomme vs. Nathan Coulter-Nile vs. Moeen Ali

With AB de Villiers, Chris Woakes and Brendon McCullum/Quinton de Kock occupying three of the four overseas slots, the all-rounders will be vying for the last one. Colin de Grandhomme is an explosive lower middle order batsman who can pitch in as an extra bowler with his medium pacers. His ability to turn a match on its head is his greatest ability. He doesn't have much IPL experience though, having featured in just the 2017 season.

Nathan Coulter-Nile is a bowling all-rounder whose fast bowling is effective in the abbreviated format of the game. He is more than handy as a batsman lower down the order. However, he has played scarcely in the recent past owing to his injuries.

The third option is Englishman Moeen Ali. He is a great batsman to have in the middle order as he can pace his innings as per the scenario. His spin bowling is effective and could be effective if the Chinnaswamy is as slow as it was last year. However, with plenty of Indian spinners in their ranks, Moeen Ali's bowling abilities may not be needed.

It will be interesting to see if the Royal Challengers try and stick with the same starting lineup or go with the horses for courses approach.