The IPL’s Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) could be set to add strategic personnel to their lineup for another campaign in 2024. RCB has not found success in India’s top-flight cricket league after repeat attempts since 2008, despite being one of the competition’s richest teams.
With Virat Kohli and other top players in the side, many would have expected the team to be multiple title holders. However, RCB are still in search of their very first IPL title after featuring in the playoffs on several occasions.
Let’s take a look at the top five (5) cricketers that may likely be in RCB’s radar to strengthen their squad towards a successful campaign. We’ll also check out the top challenges RCB will face as they seek to strengthen their squad for IPL 2024.
5 Players RCB Should Target in IPL 2024 Auction to Win their First Title
Travis Head
Indians may still have bad blood against Travis Head for his role in the Cricket World Cup final, but he may be the RCB’s main man. Head put together a head-turning performance as Australia stunned India to snatch another ICC title from their rivals in Ahmedabad in November. However, Head’s dogged performance and insane strike rate could be what RCB need to finally succeed.
Rachin Ravindra
RCB released Wanindu Hasaranga to the shock of many fans, but they could get a perfect option in Rachin Ravindra ahead of IPL 2024.
The New Zealand sensation continues to shine after an impressive showing at the Cricket World Cup where he racked up decent numbers in every department. He wouldn’t be a cheap option for RCB, as he’s one of the top youngsters in world cricket right now.
Mitchell Starc
RCB could go all out for Australian veteran Starc as they look to bolster their title chances ahead of IPL 2024. The experienced Aussie cricketer could be what the Royal Challengers need in the bowling department, even though he’s likely to be a costly buy.
However, Starc once donned the RCB’s colours in 2015 and that could soften the deal if he desires a move back to the franchise.
Daniel Sams
Sams was released by the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) and could be a suitable replacement to departing Harshal Patel, David Willey, or Wayne Parnell. The Australian cricketer is a versatile option and may possess the qualities RCB seek to deliver a strong performance this term to finally break their no-title duck after 16 seasons.
Chetan Sakariya
Left-arm pace bowler Chetan Sakariya seems to be the main man to replace a lukewarm Harshal Patel for RCB next term. Stints at the Delhi Capitals (DC) and Rajasthan Royals (RR) means he’s an experienced option should RCB seek a capable, less-pricey alternative.
Likely Challenges as RCB Looks Set to Add Cricketers
The Royal Challengers Bangalore have a 23 crore budget, one of IPL’s biggest this term. However, seeking the best players to fit their style while improving overall performances could be a challenge. RCB have always had star talents in their lineup but always find a way to come up short when it matters most.
Reluctance to sell
The team requires players with a winning mentality and an eye for success in tough encounters. Several IPL stars possess these traits but it could be difficult to prise these players away from their current deals.
Costly foreign additions
Players from Australia, New Zealand, and other cricket leagues could be an expensive gamble RCB is not ready to take. The team may need to look inward for choice talent to drive their 2024 title campaign.
PSL restrictions
There seems to be no end in sight to the India-Pakistan debacle, as RCB could have added cheap and suitable players from the noisy neighbour’s league. Political tensions between both nations have seen a freeze on Pakistan Super League (PSL) players stay in effect since the late 2000s.
RCB will need to look to other leagues with costly players if they seek foreign cricketers to strengthen their squad.
Records Set by RCB before IPL 2024
Most playoff berths without an IPL title
The RCB franchise have featured in the most IPL playoffs without lifting a single title. RCB players have taken part in eight (8) playoffs from the inaugural season to IPL 2023, falling short throughout that time.
Most runner-up places in succession without an IPL title
The team also set another record of three runner-up places and five playoff exits without clinching an IPL title. These unwanted records are more shocking when you consider that RCB set back-to-back high scores against opponents in two seasons where they failed to lift the title
