Heavy Top-order, Depth of All-rounders - SWOT Analysis of RCB for IPL 2024

RCB will look to end their 17-years long drought (Source: x.com)RCB will look to end their 17-years long drought (Source: x.com)

The 17th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL 2024) is upon the cricketing fandom of the Indian subcontinent. Before the tournament gets underway, we at OneCricket are taking a deeper look into the teams. We have already done a deep analysis of the CSK squad for IPL 2024. Now, we move on to one of the most popular teams in the league, the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB). 

But before we delve deeper into the analysis of the RCB squad, here is a look at the full squad of the franchise for IPL 2024. 


RCB Squad for IPL 2024

Batters: Faf du Plessis, Rajat Patidar, Virat Kohli, Anuj Rawat, Suyash Prabhudessai, Dinesh Karthik. 

All-rounders: Will Jacks, Glenn Maxwell, Mahipal Lomror, Manoj Bhandage, Cameron Green, Rajan Kumar, Tom Curran, Saurav Chauhan.

Spinners: Mayank Dagar, Karn Sharma, Himanshu Sharma, Swapnil Singh.

Pacers: Akash Deep, Mohammad Siraj, Reece Topley, Vyshak Vijaykumar, Alzarri Joseph, Yash Dayal, Lockie Ferguson. 


Strengths of Royal Challengers Bangalore for IPL 2024

Faf du Plessis and Virat Kohli will be the strength of the RCB batiing in IPL 2024 (Source: x.com)Faf du Plessis and Virat Kohli will be the strength of the RCB batiing in IPL 2024 (Source: x.com)

Solid top-order

In the presence of players like Faf du Plessis, Virat Kohli, and Glen Maxwell, the top order of RCB was already strong. Now, with the inclusion of Will Jacks, the top order has more strength and depth.

Grafters like Faf and Kohli can provide stability at the start of the innings and increase the scoring rate. Alongside these two batters are powerhouses like Will Jacks and Glenn Maxwell, who can step on the gas from the beginning of their knocks. 

Depth and variation in the all-rounders section

The all-rounders' section of the RCB squad for IPL has great depth and variety. Some players can add strength to a lot of departments. While Will Jacks and Glenn Maxwell will be their prime batters and add to the spin strength, players like Tom Curran and Cameron Green can be influential in the middle and lower middle order and add to the team's pace bowling strength. 

Besides the overseas recruits, a lot will depend on the Indian all-rounders like Mahipal Lomror and Manoj Bhandage.


Weaknesses of Royal Challengers Bangalore for IPL 2024

Reece Topley will be leading the bowling attack of the RCB in IPL 2024 (Source: x.com)Reece Topley will be leading the bowling attack of the RCB in IPL 2024 (Source: x.com)

Lack of economical bowlers

The RCB bowling lineup will depend on Mohammad Siraj, Akash Deep, Reece Topley, Tom Curran, Yash Dayal and Lockie Ferguson. Most of these bowlers have proved themselves at the top level as genuine wicket-takers.

However, the problem with these bunch of bowlers is that on their off-days, they can leak a lot of runs. While the bowlers can decimate any batting lineup on their day, the problem is that, on an average day, they might hand over the game to the opposition with expensive spells. 

Lack of  genuine quality spinners

Ahead of the IPL 2024, the Royal Challengers Bangalore let go of the Sri Lankan spinner Wanindu Hasaranga. As a result, they are now left with makeshift spinners like Glenn Maxwell and Will Jacks. Barring these two players, others in the spin department have little credibility to show. However, this also allows players like Mayank Dagar, Himanshu Sharma, and Swapnil Singh to showcase their talents and make full use of their opportunities. 


Opportunity for Royal Challengers Bangalore in IPL 2024

Ending a 17-year long wait

With each passing year, the wait for RCB to lift the coveted trophy increases. This year, once again, comes with the opportunity for the 'Red and Golden Army' to lift their maiden title. Faf du Plessis and his men will be looking to perform to the best of their potential and emerge as the champions.


Threats for Royal Challengers Bangalore in IPL 2024

Lack of experience in the middle-order

While the top order looks very solid and experienced for RCB, the middle order is left wanting for experience. While the top-order will set up the games for the team in most of the matches, the responsibility will be on players like Rajat Patidar, Anuj Rawat, Mahipal Lomror, Suyas Prabhudessai, and Dinesh Karthik to finish things off. But barring Karthik, others are inexperienced, and that might act as a threat to the team in crunch situations. Also, the lack of consistency with Karthik's batting adds to the danger for the team. 

SWOT Analysis of RCB for IPL 2024 (Source: OneCricket)SWOT Analysis of RCB for IPL 2024 (Source: OneCricket)


Predicted XI of RCB for First Match of IPL 2024

Predicted XI of RCB for first Match of IPL 2024 (Source: OneCricket)Predicted XI of RCB for first Match of IPL 2024 (Source: OneCricket)


Royal Challengers Bangalore's Squad Evaluation

Batting

Experience - 8.5/10
Power - 8.5/10
Depth - 6.5/10
Finishing - 7/10

Rating - 7.625/10

Bowling

Experience - 7/10
Powerplay Potentital - 8/10
Middle-overs Potential - 7/10
Death-overs Potential - 6/10

Rating - 7.25/10

Overall Rating - 7.4/10


Prediction for Royal Challengers Bangalore in the IPL 2024

There is a lack of balance in the RCB squad for the IPL 2024. The team will be seen struggling to gain control in the middle-overs and in the death-overs during most of the matches. If the top stars of the team can pull the team through the tournament with their outstanding performances, then the best they can do is reach the playoffs. The campaign of this side will most probably end in the group stages.