IPL 2019: Five players Royal Challengers Bangalore should get in the IPL trade

#2 Deepak Hooda

Deepak Hooda is an effective lower-order batsman and a useful off-spinner

In IPL 2018, the Bangalore franchise bought a horde of foreign all-rounders. They included Chris Woakes, Moeen Ali (England), Colin De Grandhomme and Corey Anderson (New Zealand). With one of these blocking a foreign spot, RCB failed to utilize the remaining squad effectively. By grabbing an Indian all-rounder, the franchise can solve many problems in one go.

Deepak Hooda is the perfect option for RCB to go after. The captain of the Baroda Ranji team was a part of the Sunrisers Hyderabad in IPL 2018, however, the franchise could not make the utmost use of Hooda’s talent. The part-time off-spinner played nine matches and scored 87 runs in the limited opportunities he received.

As a mercurial batsman whose strike rate is 140 in 88 T20 matches so far, Deepak Hooda will provide depth to the Bangalore batting lineup. Being a clean striker of the ball, his batting skills in the death overs will be crucial alongside his off-spin bowling that can come in handy for Virat Kohli.