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Shaheen Afridi To RCB: What If Virat Kohli Got Pakistan Ace Pacer As IPL Teammate?

Shaheen Afridi & Virat Kohli (X)Shaheen Afridi & Virat Kohli (X)

It’s no secret that Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) have always been a powerhouse in the batting department, boasting big names like Virat Kohli, Chris Gayle, AB de Villiers, Glenn Maxwell and Faf du Plessis. However, when it comes to their bowling, the team has often found themselves stuck in the middle of a perfect storm.

Over the years, RCB's bowling line-up has failed to complement their mighty batting performances, leading to some disappointing seasons. But what if RCB had managed to sign Pakistan’s pace sensation, Shaheen Afridi?

Afridi is a bowler who thrives under pressure, someone who can take the bull by the horns and deliver match-winning performances when it matters the most. His presence in the RCB squad could potentially be a game-changer. 

Let’s look at what it would be like if Shaheen Afridi was signed by RCB.

1. Plugging RCB’s Death Bowling Hole

RCB’s shortcoming has long been their death bowling. More often than not, they’ve found themselves at the mercy of opposition batters in the final overs, leaking runs like a sieve.

In IPL history, RCB has been known to concede some of the highest totals, and the death overs have been their undoing. A bowler like Shaheen Afridi, with his toe-crushing yorkers and fiery pace, would’ve plugged this gap.

Known for his ability to swing the ball both ways and extract reverse swing in the latter stages, Afridi could've killed two birds with one stone — attacking up front and containing at the death.

2. Setting The Tone with The New Ball

RCB have always been a team that relies on setting a tone early with the bat, but the same aggression has been missing with the ball. Afridi’s inclusion would’ve been a breath of fresh air.

His new-ball exploits are well known, capable of dismantling top orders before they even get their eye in. Pairing him with someone like Mohammed Siraj could’ve made RCB’s powerplay bowling something to reckon with.

Opponents would no longer be able to run away with the game in the first six overs, a scenario all too familiar for RCB fans.

3. Learning From Past Mistakes

RCB's management has often been criticized for poor auction strategies, particularly when it comes to securing world-class bowlers. Signing Afridi would’ve shown that they’re not beating around the bush anymore.

With a bowler of Shaheen’s calibre, RCB would’ve learned from past mistakes and built a more balanced team. His ability to bowl in all phases of the game would provide the kind of consistency RCB has lacked, giving them the upper hand in crucial situations.

4. Countering Chinnaswamy's Pitches

M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, RCB’s fortress, is notorious for being a nightmare for bowlers. Its small boundaries and batting-friendly conditions often turn even the best bowlers into cannon fodder. 

Afridi, with his sharp pace and lethal bouncers, could've countered this challenge. While spinners traditionally struggle at Chinnaswamy, Afridi’s sharp line and length would have cramped batters for room and unsettled them with bounce.

5. RCB’s Search For A Leader

Over the years, RCB have lacked a bowler who could be their guiding force. Afridi’s leadership qualities in the Pakistan team, despite his young age, make him a natural leader.

His ability to lead from the front would’ve given RCB the kind of bowling captaincy they've been missing. With Shaheen at the helm, the bowling attack would’ve been more cohesive and, perhaps for the first time, feared.

6. The X-Factor RCB Desperately Needs

If there’s one thing Afridi brings to the table, it’s the X-factor - the ability to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat. Whether it’s breaking key partnerships or picking up crucial wickets in the death overs, Afridi has a knack for turning games on their head.

RCB have lost many close encounters due to lack of this game-changing ability in their bowling lineup. Afridi could’ve been the difference between finishing second-best and finally hitting the nail on the head with an IPL title.

7. The Kohli-Afridi Duo

One of the most intriguing prospects of Shaheen Afridi joining RCB would be his partnership with Virat Kohli. Kohli’s aggressive leadership paired with Afridi’s fiery attitude would’ve been a match made in heaven.

Both players wear their emotions on their sleeves and love the big moments. With Kohli backing Afridi as his strike bowler, RCB could’ve hit the ground running in every match, putting pressure on opponents from the get-go.