IPL 2018: Royal Challengers Bangalore(RCB) SWOT analysis

The three-time finalists(2009, 2011 and 2016) will once again be led by the charismatic Virat Kohli

Threat

The best possible opening combination for RCB?

Getting the squad balance right

Though the Royal Challengers have a strong squad and plenty of options to choose from, the outcome of their IPL season might be decided by how quickly they get the squad balance right.

RCB can field around six to seven different opening combinations in the tournament, depending upon which their middle order would have to be adjusted. A lot would depend on where Kohli decides to slot himself in the batting line-up as well.

If the Kohli-led squad manage to get the balance right early on in the tournament, it would be difficult for the rest of franchises to stop the RCB juggernaut.

About the author

Sankalp is a veteran European and international football writer at Sportskeeda. He has a total experience of 8 years, having previously worked for some top companies such as Wisden India and Fox Sports Asia. An engineer by qualification, Sankalp places a very high emphasis on accuracy by leaving no stone unturned in his research, and prides himself on showcasing the human aspect of the sporting world.

Sankalp has had the privilege of interviewing senior Indian cricketers such as Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Bhuvaneshwar Kumar and Chris Woakes in his experience so far. He has also covered various Indian and international matches, such as the 2019 ICC ODI World Cup when working for FOX.

Sankalp started following football after watching the 2002 FIFA World Cup with his family. He is a die-hard Manchester United supporter, who started following the club due to David Beckham. His favorite manager is Sir Alex Ferguson and favorite player is Lionel Messi, both for setting unattainable benchmarks. He considers Barcelona’s incredible 6-1 second leg comeback win in the 2016-17 UCL against Paris Saint-Germain as one of the most iconic matches ever.

Along with European football, Sankalp also follows the Indian Super League. When not writing, Sankalp enjoys traveling and watching sports.

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Edited by Sankalp Srivastava