IPL 2022: 5 players RCB might target in mega auction

The most exciting time of the year is here. As the think tanks of the franchises will sit down in the IPL 2022 mega auction on the 12th and 13th of February to decide who will join their camps, the players will be hoping for a decent rise in their salary. The mega auction is here and so are the predictions.

RCB has been one of the most entertaining teams in the history of the IPL. Even though they have failed to win any edition, they have been absolutely successful in auctions. The best example is of Chris Gayle and Glenn Maxwell. Later on, they managed to shape Yuzvendra Chahal as one of the finest leg spinners in the limited-overs format. Adding on, RCB was also a part of Virat Kohli’s rise during the mid-2010s.

Here are five players who RCB might target in IPL 2022 mega auction:

5. Dewald Brevis 

AB De Villiers has been an integral part of the RCB side as he managed to take them home on numerous occasions and now, after his retirement from all forms of the game, the fans are speculating who will be a perfect replacement. Thankfully, Dewald Brevis is here to solve their issues.

As everyone had their eyes set on the Under 19 World Cup, Brevis set the stage on fire. In six games, he scored 506 runs and an average of 84.33 speaks volumes about his talent. 

With a strike rate of 90.20, Brevis has been dominated almost every opposition. A team like RCB has been successful in grooming players like Chahal, Devdutt, and Harshal. Well, Dewald might get the perfect stage by playing alongside Virat Kohli.

4. Yuzvendra Chahal

Leg spinners have been the most impactful in the shortest format of the game. They can turn the game within a span of a couple of overs. And for RCB, they had Chahal, but it seems like they have committed a blunder by releasing him.

However, they have the option to buy back him. In 114 IPL games, Chahal has managed to pick 139 wickets. The best bowling figure of 4/25 showcases his ability to be the ‘impact player’ for his side.

Even though Chahal had stated that he would like to join CSK if not RCB, the management should look to buy him back as he brings experience and calmness to the table and will be beneficial for the new captain of the side.

3. Harshal Patel 

2021 was the year of Harshal Patel as he went on to become one of the most impactful performers for RCB in a season. In the first game, he picked a five-wicket haul against Mumbai Indians. But, after a few games, he was taken into the cleaners as Ravindra Jadeja smashed 37 runs off an over.

But, the thing about champions is that they have the ability to script a comeback. Harshal went on to pick 32 wickets in 15 innings and was the go-to bowler for captain Kohli. During the whole season, he was an effective death-overs bowler as well.

Down the batting lineup, Harshal was able to score some valuable runs as well. Adding on, he is an excellent fielder. He was so impactful during the IPL that he went on to represent the national side during the home series. Hence, the management should look forward to buying him back if possible.

2. Jason Holder

Just like the leg spinners, all-rounders have the ability to win games in any format of the sport. They can contribute with the bat, ball and can give impactful performances. Jason Holder, being one of the most premier all-rounders in the market can fit into the RCB squad perfectly.

Holder as a bowler is economical. He has a T20I bowling economy rate of 8.07 and has picked 38 wickets at a bowling average of 24.58. Adding on, he has a decent record in the IPL as well, with 35 wickets to his name in 26 games.

Talking about his batting, Holder can hit the big shots and clear the field at his own will. But, the best part about his game is that he can anchor the innings, which is a big asset for any player. RCB, being a bit unpredictable, needs someone like Holder to stay at the crease and guide the team in adverse situations.

1. Shreyas Iyer

With Virat Kohli stepping down, there is a huge void in the RCB camp. There have been numerous speculations about who will be the next skipper of the side and the biggest name on the list has been Shreyas Iyer. Adding on, his image as a leader and past experience have helped him to become the number one contender for the role.

Iyer was an integral part of the Delhi Capitals side. He was the leader of the pack until Rishabh Pant took over the reins as the skipper. Now, it looks quite obvious that Iyer will be joining RCB unless another team buys him with a record-breaking price.

With Kohli and Maxwell handling the leadership department, Iyer will have proper support and guidance. Adding on, a new leader will enable Kohli to play with more freedom. Iyer’s ability to anchor the innings is also priceless and with the highest score of 96 in the toughest T20 league, he can play a swashbuckling inning if required.