IPL 2020: Royal Challengers Bangalore strongest possible lineup

Bowlers

Dale Steyn

Dale Steyn

If fit Steyn can turn on the gas for the Royal Challengers Bangalore just like he did last season. He played just two matches but was at his searing best in one of the matches against Chennai Super Kings. There is certainly no doubt about the fact that he is the twilight of his career but even now Steyn can send shivers down the spine of the opposition batters.

Injury has been a concern with Steyn in the last few years. He should look to maintain himself ahead of the tournament next year and make himself available for the majority of the tournament. Steyn was bought back by RCB at Rs 2 crores and should make the playing XI if available. Kane Richardson fetched a higher amount than Steyn but given the latter’s experience, he will mostly be part of the playing XI.

Umesh Yadav

Umesh Yadav.

He has been a part of the formidable Indian bowling line-up in the Test format. However, with the white ball, Umesh Yadav has received some stick in the past. Owing to impressive performances with the ball in 2018, he earned a recall to the Indian T20I team. However, he had an indifferent season with the ball last year and got a hiding more often than not.

Umesh has looked in good form in red-ball cricket and he should now look to translate it to the white ball format. He had a great season with the ball in 2018 when he bagged 20 wickets in 13 matches at an exceptional average of 20. The Indian pacer bowled with hostility in the powerplay overs but was found wanting in the death overs. This is an area which he needs to improve on.

Yuzvendra Chahal

Yuzvendra Chahal

None of the RCB bowlers managed to leave up to their reputations last year but Chahal got his act together and bagged 18 wickets in 14 matches. He wasn’t at his best under any stress of imagination but got wickets at crucial junctures of the game. Chahal has been a pivotal member for RCB and will lead the spin attack next season.

The leggie has been a crucial bowler for India in the white-ball format and has the ability to control the game with his intelligent bowling. In the T20I format, leg spinners have been a revelation and Chahal will look to keep up his good work.