Indian Premier League is a T20 competition. However, in recent years, we have seen a lot of players develop themselves to become suitable for all the formats. Hence, in this context, we will be exploring an imaginary scenario in this article. Using the current cricketers in a T20 squad, we try to construct a good Test XI. On that note, here, we take a look at the current RCB Playing XI if they played Test cricket.
Note: Franchises construct teams based on the skillsets of the players aligning to the T20 format. This article is purely imaginary and based on contextual scenarios only.
Openers: Finn Allen and Anuj Rawat (WK)
Royal Challengers Bangalore would have a serious problem if they have to make a Test XI for this department of the squad. Since Faf du Plessis has retired, despite not having a lot of experience, Finn Allen has to take up this role. Maybe, in the current era of “Bazball”, a player like Finn Allen in Tests might not be a bad idea.
Anuj Rawat is yet to cement his place in the Delhi squad. However, since Dinesh Karthik, the only other reliable keeping option, does not play Tests, Rawat makes the cut to this squad.
Middle-Order: Virat Kohli (C) and Rajat Patidar
Virat Kohli will lead the current RCB Playing XI if they played Test cricket. In the core middle-order, though, RCB does have some solid options. Virat Kohli would be the obvious choice to captain this squad. Since the openers are not experienced, he might have to bat at No.3.
Rajat Patidar recently won the Ranji Trophy. He batted well in the middle-order. He has the technique to do well in this format. Rajat could also play for India in the future.
All-Rounders: Mahipal Lomror, Glenn Maxwell, Michael Bracewell and Shahbaz Ahmed
Mahipal Lomror is quite experienced in Ranji Trophy. He would be a good option at No.5. Glenn Maxwell has not played a lot of Tests but in India, whenever he got the chance to don the Baggy Green, he has done well. Therefore, he is also on this list.
Michael Bracewell does not play Tests often. However, he is a decent spinner and considering the other spin options, he would do better here. Shahbaz will lead the spin attack and would also add good value as a batter to this squad.
Bowlers: Akash Deep, Josh Hazlewood and Mohammed Siraj
Akash Deep might be the uncapped pacer in this current RCB Playing XI if they played Test cricket. RCB’s strength lies in this department. Josh Hazlewood and Mohammed Siraj are two of the premier Test pacers in the game right now. With the new ball, they could wreak havoc on the opposition.
For the other slot, RCB would have plenty of good options such as V Vyshak and Siddarth Kaul. However, Akash Deep has done well for West Bengal in recent times and would do a decent job as a third pacer. In recent times, he has also been good with the willow in the lower order.
