IPL 2023: 3 Players RCB could’ve picked instead of Will Jacks in the auction

The Royal Challengers Bangalore played some exciting brand of cricket in the 15th edition of the Indian Premier League and qualified for the playoffs. However, they lost to Rajasthan Royals in the second qualifier and exited the competition. RCB had a lot of positives in the 2022 season and so, they parted ways with only five of their players in a build-up to the coming season, keeping the balance of the side intact.

The Bangalore franchise entered the IPL 2023 auction with INR 8.75 crore in their kitty. RCB spent the majority of their purse to sign overseas players in Reece Topley (INR 1.9 crore) and Will Jacks (INR 3.2 crore). Topley is a bankable name in the T20 circuit and was a great buy. However, one could argue whether Jacks is a worthy addition to the side.

Jacks has played just four international games thus far and is yet to feature in the IPL. As the 24-year-old is thin on experience, Bangalore could have signed some seasoned campaigners moving into the upcoming season. Moreover, given the composition of the side, there were certain players who could have fit into the side in a better manner.

Here are three players RCB could’ve picked instead of Will Jacks:

3. Sikandar Raza 

Sikandar Raza is one the finest all-rounders Zimbabwe cricket has produced. The 36-year-old has been a match-winner with both bat and ball and has shown his might in T20 leagues around the world. He has smashed 3123 runs in 160 games in the shortest format and bagged 83 scalps at an economy of 7.31.

Raza took the international circuit by storm with his breathtaking performances in 2022. He took bowling attacks to the cleaners and smashed 735 runs in 24 T20Is at a strike rate of 150.92. Also, the Sialkot-born player strangled batters with his variations and bagged 25 scalps at an economy of 6.13.

Raza is an established performer in the T20 circuit and has displayed his all-round credentials time and time again. He could have been someone who could act as a backup for both Glenn Maxwell and Wanindu Hasaranga. Thus, Royal Challengers Bangalore could have added the Zimbabwean to their repertoire. Nonetheless, Punjab Kings grabbed the better of Raza for his base price.