IPL 2019: Strategy for the IPL teams ahead of the auctions

Royal Challengers Bangalore

Virat Kohli would want an all-round squad to get over his nightmares in the previous two campaigns

Major players released: Brendon McCullum, Corey Anderson, Quinton de Kock, Chris Woakes, Mandeep Singh, Sarfaraz Khan

Amount left in purse: 18.15cr

Major trade in: Marcus Stoinis

Slots available: 8 Indian, 2 Overseas

Having released both McCullum and de Kock, RCB will be looking to get in an opener to partner Virat Kohli at the top. Their spin department is well stocked with Yuzvendra Chahal, Washington Sundar and Pawan Negi, with Moeen Ali available as an overseas option. They might look for an established overseas pacer, as their bowlers came under fire last year for their poor bowling at the death which gave slipper Kohli countless headaches.

One major concern will be that the batting looks extremely dependent on Kohli and AB de Villiers, and hence they will want to buy good Indian batsmen to support them, having let Mandeep Singh and Sarfaraz Khan go.

Players to target:

Lasith Malinga, Morne Morkel and Dale Steyn are overseas pace bowling options due to their experience and quality with both new ball and at the death.

Mohammed Shami and Jaydev Unadkat are good Indian pace bowling options.

Would RCB want to give Yuvraj another chance in the middle order? Manoj Tiwary could also be a good option in the middle order with his experience.

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