IPL 2019: Analyzing the best playing XI for RCB

Spinners: Washington Sundar and Yuzvendra Chahal

The 19-year-old Washington Sundar can bowl economically in the power plays and is a handy batsman down the order. His record with RCB hasn't been spectacular till now, and it will be interesting to see how he bowls alongside Yuzvendra Chahal in this year's edition. It will be Sundar’s golden opportunity to earn an India call-up.

The young Tamil Nadu spinner has taken 12 wickets so far in 18 matches, and was a star performer for Rising Pune Supergiant in his debut season. Kohli will be expecting Sundar to support Chahal in the spin department and contribute with the bat if the need arises.

RCB's spin twins

A proven war horse, Chahal is the mainstay of the RCB bowling attack and is almost certain to play all matches. He has the ability to break partnerships and contain the run flow in the middle.

Chahal has scalped 82 wickets in 70 IPL matches till now. RCB will be some more magical googlies from Chahal to trap the opposition batsmen.

Fast bowlers: Tim Southee and Umesh Yadav

Tim Southee has 27 wickets in 37 IPL matches so far. The New Zealand veteran is a proven new ball bowler and had performed consistently during his stint with Mumbai Indians. We have to wait and see if he can provide the edge up front for RCB this season.

RCB be will be looking for consistent performances from Umesh Yadav

The best Indian pace bowler in the RCB squad, Umesh Yadav has been a little inconsistent with his performances in the IPL. However, he can surprise batsmen with his pace and in-swinging deliveries.

Umesh's ability to bowl consistently above 140 kmph and to pick multiple wickets in a spell would earn him a place in the playing XI. Umesh will be looking to improve his economy rate of 8.32 in this season.

There are other talented players on the RCB bench such as Moeen Ali, Shimron Hetmyer and Natha Coulter-Nile, who can come in and replace the first-choice players at any time. It will be interesting to see if Kohli shows faith in young guns like Himmat Singh and Prayas Barman in this edition.

The batting lineup still revolves around Kohli and De Villiers and their ability to chase down any score. We have to wait and watch whether the new-look RCB can live up to the expectations in the 12th edition of the IPL.