The Royal Challengers Bangalore finished fourth on the IPL 2022 points table. They made it to the playoffs for the third consecutive season but were out of the tournament before the final match again. This time, RCB made it past the eliminator but lost in Qualifier. RCB will shift their focus to the next IPL season now.
The Bangalore-based franchise had a good bunch of overseas players this season, but they need decent backups in case the main players like Faf du Plessis, Wanindu Hasaranga, Josh Hazlewood and Glenn Maxwell aren’t available. They may not go for someone like Ben Stokes because it will increase the confusion as to which four foreign players should play.
But considering they need a backup for each position except the fast bowler Hazlewood because they have Jason Behrendorff and David Willey, here are the three players RCB could target for the next season.
1. RCB can think of re-signing Joshua Phillipe for the next season
Joshua Phillipe is one of the biggest match-winners in the Big Bash League. He played for RCB earlier, but he didn’t play in IPL 2022. If he is available for the next season, RCB should think of signing him as a back-up opener and a wicket-keeping option.
2. RCB may look to sign Adil Rashid for the next season
Wanindu Hasaranga had an excellent IPL 2022 season, but in case if he is unavailable, RCB need another spinner who can turn the game. Adil Rashid could be a decent choice for this role. The leg-spinner surprisingly went unsold at the mega auction.
3. Dasun Shanaka
Dasun Shanaka has proven himself as a big-hitter on Indian grounds. The Sri Lankan team skipper can bowl a few overs as well if needed. He can be a back-up all-rounder option for the Royal Challengers Bangalore if the team signs him for IPL 2023.
