Royal Challengers Bangalore have managed to establish a semblance of a core in the last two seasons. This is one of the main reasons why they reached the playoffs in IPL 2020 and IPL 2021. However, with the mega-auctions happening before IPL 2022, the franchise has no option but to disrupt the core. Nevertheless, they will still have a chance to retain a few players. As per a few reports, the number of allowed retentions is likely to be four. In this article, we take a look at four players RCB might target to retain ahead of the IPL 2022 Mega Auctions.
1) Virat Kohli
Virat Kohli‘s form in IPL has waned in recent seasons. However, he still is a class act and it is inevitable that he will return back to his best. Virat has also announced that he would not captain RCB from IPL 2022. The reduced pressure could actually help him rediscover the lost touch.
Nevertheless, RCB is sure to retain Virat for future campaigns. Apart from being an experienced batsman, Virat is important to RCB as a brand. He adds a lot of value in this aspect and very few Indian cricketers are capable of doing that. These reasons will be on the back of the mind as RCB management sits down to make a decision.
2) AB de Villiers
If AB de Villiers does not retire, RCB is likely to retain him. Of course, this decision will also depend on if ABD will continue playing even after IPL 2022. That said, the RCB-ABD bond is too strong, and releasing the cricketer when he is close to retirement might not ring in well with the fans.
Moreover, if ABD is in form, RCB need not worry about a quality finisher in the XI. He is arguably the best middle-order batsman in limited-overs cricket and although age is not on his side, the South African can still produce a few astonishing performances. ABD’s presence will also be important for the new skipper of RCB.
3) Glenn Maxwell
It was not Virat Kohli or AB de Villiers around whom the 2021 edition of IPL revolved around for RCB. Instead, it was the new recruit Glenn Maxwell who made the difference for the franchise. In 15 games, the Aussie scored 513 runs at an average of 42.75 and also collected three wickets for RCB.
With two new teams coming in, Maxi’s stocks are likely to increase even higher. RCB will also need to plan for life after ABD and Maxwell is a fine option to start with. The all-rounder is already a hit with the fans and hence, he could be one of the players RCB might target to retain ahead of the IPL 2022 Mega Auctions.
4) Mohammed Siraj
Mohammed Siraj is one of the players RCB might target to retain ahead of the IPL 2022 Mega Auctions. For the fourth option, RCB will have plenty of options such as Devdutt Padikkal, Harshal Patel and Yuzvendra Chahal. However, Siraj is able to lead the pace attack for a long time and having groomed him, RCB would want to reap the rewards out of it.
The Hyderabadi pacer has anyways improved his bowling in T20 cricket. He is nailing those yorkers and has also added plenty of variations to his armoury. The pace is one attribute that he is always had. Siraj is almost a complete package now and would be a better retainment option for the franchise.
