IPL 2020: Aakash Chopra reveals weaknesses of Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB)

Ahead of the 13th edition of the Indian Premier League in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), former Indian opening batsman Aakash Chopra did a SWOT analysis of IPL franchise Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB). In their journey of 12 years in the cash-rich league, Virat Kohli-led RCB is yet to claim their maiden T20 title. Through his deep analysis, Chopra highlighted the weaknesses in the RCB squad and added that the mistakes caused by selectors during the mega auction that can pose a threat to the team.

Speaking about the RCB squad, the cricketer-turned-commentator reckoned that there are some obvious weaknesses in the team and the selectors have not been able to cover them up in the big auction for IPL 2020. Also, it is hard to fill up the holes after the auction through the trading windows.

“There are some glaring weaknesses in the RCB squad. It is true that when you have not done well in the first big auction, you are always left behind. Because even if you try to pick players in mini auctions or trading windows, you have gaping holes and you don’t get the right players to fill them,” Aakash said in a video uploaded on his YouTube channel.

Firstly talking about the batting line-up, the former KKR player said that the team has been successful in addressing the problem of finishers with the inclusion of batsmen like Shivam Dube, Chris Morris, Washington Sundar and Moeen Ali. He also opined that the management should consider the Indian duo of Dube and Sundar ahead of Morris and Moeen due to their exposure and experience.

One of RCB’s problems has been their death over batting: Aakash Chopra

“One of their problems has been their death over batting. If AB de Villiers and Virat Kohli play till the end it is fine, but if not then who? It can be a matter of concern although it is better than earlier because they have Moeen Ali, Shivam Dube, Washington Sundar and Chris Morris,” the 42-year-old said.

“Dube and Sundar have played quite a bit for India and have scored runs and done their job, they are far more experienced. They should play Moeen Ali down the order and with the new acquisition Chris Morris, the four of them together can do the job even though they may not be the best in the world,” he added.

Further in the video, the former KKR player asserted that RCB is bound to feel the absence of a good death bowling as none of the players from their seam bowling line-up that includes– Chris Morris, Dale Steyn, Navdeep Saini, Umesh Yadav and Mohammed Siraj– are renowned for their bowling at the death. Notably, death bowling has always been Achilles Heel for the team from the past few years.

“The second problem is the death over bowling. Chris Morris is not a gun death bowler, even if you play Dale Steyn, he is also not a gun death bowler. Then who is the gun death bowler – Navdeep Saini, Umesh Yadav, Mohammed Siraj – they do not inspire the confidence that you would perhaps want.

Their threat is that they are not able to play the correct XI. That has been a bit of a concern and they become a little impatient. I would say pick your four overseas and stick with them for a little while. Same is the case with their Indian players,” Chopra further said.

The former cricketer signed off saying that RCB’s past failures can haunt the team and prevent them from utilizing their full potential. Thus, it will be extremely important for them to win the initial matches to gain momentum and excel in the cash-rich league.

Here’s the video: