3 Players Royal Challengers Bangalore might release ahead of IPL 2019

The preparations for the 12th edition of Indian Premier League (IPL) are underway as the dates to announce the list of retained and released players is drawing to a close mid-November. All the franchises have already started planning strategies with regards to the squad they want to feature in the upcoming version of the tournament. The first trade of the season was in the form of South African wicketkeeper-batsman, Quinton de Kock, with Royal Challengers Bangalore selling him to Mumbai Indians for cash.

More trades/releases are expected to follow ahead of the closure of the first trade window, which expires on 16th November. The Royal Challengers have been one of the most followed though disappointing teams of the IPL. Despite having a number of star players in the squad, they are yet to win their first IPL trophy. They have even failed to qualify for playoffs during last two seasons, due to which the franchise might make a good number of changes this time. They would be hoping to settle issues with the squad and turn the tables this time around.

In the piece, we look at who are the most probable three releases that Royal Challengers Bangalore may make before the IPL 2019 auction.

1. Brendon McCullum

The power-hitting former New Zealand opener, Brendon McCullum was a complete disappointment for RCB in IPL 2018. He made meagre 127 runs in 6 matches at an average of 21 with the highest score of 43.

RCB had brought him to strengthen their already power-pack batting line-up though nothing of that sort transpired. There is no denying of McCullum’s ability but in an event like IPL, one needs to perform on a consistent basis to cement their place in the side. It’s highly possible that RCB could release McCullum and look out for other choices in the auction.