BBL 12 | Melbourne Renegades - SWOT analysis
Renegades finished 8th last season [Source: Twitter]
It is fair to say that Melbourne Renegades had a forgettable 2021-22 BBL campaign. The 2018 BBL champions finished at the last spot in the points table, winning just 3 out of their 14 matches and looked toothless the entire time.
They boasted a strong side on paper, but as they say, the real battle is won on the pitch and the Renegades clearly lacked the cutting-edge last season to mount a title challenge.
So what has changed this season? Do they have a squad to challenge for the title? We'll answer it all in our SWOT analysis.
Strengths
Experienced top-order
If Renegades are to go the distance in this tournament, their top order must fire all guns blazing. With the likes of Aaron Finch, Martin Guptill and Nic Maddinson forming a potent trio, the team management will be hoping that their experience comes into play this season.
Despite being out of form as of late, you can expect Finch to fire at the top, especially given the conditions in Australia which will suit his style of batting. Guptill was recently axed from New Zealands' central contract and he'll be eager to prove his worth once again. Expect the Trans-Tasman pair to open and lay a strong foundation for the middle order batters to capitalise on.
The experienced Nic Maddinson will be vital this season. The southpaw has played 98 games in BBL, and has amassed 1869 runs, at a strike-rate of 123. It all depends on how he performs at number 3 for the former champs.
Weakness
Lack of cutting edge in bowling department
This is where the problem comes for the Renegades. Barring Kane Richardson, they lack a quality pacer in their ranks. Be it bowling in power-play or at the death, Renegades need to ponder upon this issue.
They have a quality pacer in Zak Evans, but his inexperience at this level could prove to be costly. Moreover in 10 BBL games, Evans has leaked runs at 10.04 runs per over. Other bowlers like Jack Prestwidge and Corey Rocchiccioli don't ooze confidence with the ball in hand.
Opportunities
Time for middle order to step up
With Liam Livingstone pulling out of the upcoming season (due to Test commitments), Renegades managed to sign up Andre Russell on a short-term deal.
The swashbuckling batter has had a decent T20 season this year and will be eager to torment the bowling attack once again. He will play the first four matches for his side and if he can fire in those four games, Renegades will be in a pole position to strengthen their grip on the points table. The question is - Will he fire? Renegades will certainly bank on him.
There are some other exciting batters in the side who'll be geared up to perform on the big stage. The likes of Sam Harper, Marcus Harris and Mackenzie Harvey. If the top-order fails to perform, can the team management bank on the middle order? Only time will tell.
Threats
Will the ghost of 2021 repeat?
The torrid time that the Renegades faced last season will certainly be in the back of their minds. Finishing last on the points table is never a good thing, and the team will be looking to correct it this time around. But as much as cricket is played on the field, there is a mental aspect also. Will the team be nervous after what happened last season? Will they once again crumble under pressure? These are questions which the Renegades need to answer.
 "Anurag Dasgupta")
