Royal Challengers Bangalore has been in decent form in the last two seasons. While they reached the playoffs in IPL 2020, they were in good form in IPL 2021 before the tournament got suspended. There is a strong possibility that two new teams will participate next season. Hence, it is likely that IPL 2022 Mega Auction will take place.
If you take a look at RCB’s current squad, there is an adequate core in place. However, if there is a mega-auction, they might have to release a few players. In this article, we take a look at six players whom RCB can target in IPL 2022 Mega Auction.
1. T Natarajan
SRH may not be able to retain T Natarajan due to other priorities in the franchise. Hence, the Tamil Nadu player could be in the auctions. The left-arm seamer is one player RCB can plan to hire.
The franchise needs a good death-bowler. Although they did well in IPL 2021, at a stadium like Chinnaswamy, you need the best in the business. Nattu is a bowler who aces in controlling the run flow. He has got multiple variations apart from a fiery yorker. Hence, he is fit for the RCB squad.
2. David Miller
David Miller was once a top player in IPL. However, in recent times, the South African has lost his way in the tournament. Nevertheless, if there is a strong batting core around him, he could still come good.
With two new teams coming in, the competition to hire quality cricketers will be intense. Hence, David Miller will be a realistic target for RCB. He can slot into the middle-order and provide the much needed left-handed power-hitting option for the unit.
3. Prithvi Shaw
While Rishabh Pant and Shreyas Iyer are certain to be retained by Delhi, they will have to make a tough decision with the third option. There are plenty of options such as Prithvi Shaw, Shikhar Dhawan and Kagiso Rabada.
If Shaw is there in the auctions, RCB must target him. He can form a dangerous long-term partnership at the top for the franchise. This will free Virat Kohli and help the Indian captain return to his best in the competition.
4. Mitchell Starc
RCB has struggled to find a premier overseas pacer in the recent seasons. This has affected their bowling performances. If Mitchell Starc makes himself available in IPL 2022 Mega Auction, RCB can target him.
As he has showcased in the past, Starc can be a reliable option at a batsman-friendly pitch in Bengaluru. He is good at both ends of the innings, and if he is given the support of some young Indian pacers, there will be a strong bowling attack in place.
5. Ishan Kishan
If the retainment rules remain the same as the previous editions, Mumbai Indians could have to lose Suryakumar Yadav and Ishan Kishan. Both these players will then become hot properties at the auction.
RCB desperately needs a solid domestic wicket-keeping option. At the moment, Ishan Kishan looks like the best choice. In the batting department, too, the Jharkand cricketer will be a good addition.
6. David Warner
It looks like Sunrisers Hyderabad might prefer retaining Rashid Khan and Kane Williamson before IPL 2022. This will leave David Warner in the IPL 2022 Mega Auction.
RCB did extremely well when Chris Gayle was in the XI. At that time, they used to win games consistently at the Chinnaswamy Stadium. Warner is a player who could replicate that. Moreover, the Aussie has always done well in Bengaluru. Hence, the franchise can target him.
