3 quality RCB players who might be benched throughout IPL 2024 ft. Reece Topley
The Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) are gearing up for the 2024 IPL, where they will be expected to follow in the footsteps of their women's team and bring the elusive trophy home.
While that won't be easy, Bangalore can take heart from the fact that their playing XII is almost entirely settled. Following Cameron Green's trade from the Mumbai Indians, the top six is virtually picked, and the bowling attack seems straightforward as well.
However, what that means is that RCB might not have to make too many changes during the IPL 2024 season. Given the talent on their roster, a few deserving names might have to be consigned to the sidelines.
RCB's squad for IPL 2024: Faf du Plessis (c), Glenn Maxwell, Virat Kohli, Cameron Green, Rajat Patidar, Anuj Rawat, Dinesh Karthik, Suyash Prabhudessai, Will Jacks, Mahipal Lomror, Karn Sharma, Manoj Bhandage, Mayank Dagar, Akash Deep, Mohammed Siraj, Reece Topley, Himanshu Sharma, Rajan Kumar, Vijaykumar Vyshak, Alzarri Joseph, Yash Dayal, Tom Curran, Lockie Ferguson, Swapnil Singh, Saurav Chauhan
Here are three quality RCB players who might be benched throughout IPL 2024:
#3 Tom Curran
Tom Curran being picked at the IPL 2024 auction came as a surprise to many, given the all-rounder's history of poor performances in the league. He also had a disappointing Big Bash League campaign for the Sydney Sixers, both on and off the field.
However, Curran is a much better T20 player than he's often given credit for. The Englishman has greatly improved his batting prowess over the last few years and has chipped in with plenty of handy cameos. Moreover, his variations and death-bowling ability make him a suitable backup across roles.
Nevertheless, it's difficult to see how Curran fits into RCB's side. Faf du Plessis, Glenn Maxwell and Green will likely take up three of the four overseas slots, while an out-and-out fast bowler is expected to be picked with the last. Barring any injuries, Curran might not feature for the franchise.
#2 Vyshak Vijaykumar
Having been handed a BCCI fast-bowling contract, Vyshak Vijaykumar is on the rise. He also had a productive domestic season with Karnataka, making up for his slightly indifferent bowling with markedly improved batting contributions.
However, the dip in bowling form might cost Vyshak a place in the XI in IPL 2024. He featured in seven games for RCB last year, but the situation is different this time.
Yash Dayal and Mohammed Siraj are expected to lead the Indian pace attack. In case Dayal experiences a rough run of form, Akash Deep, who recently earned his maiden India cap, could be the next in line.
Vyshak, as a right-arm pacer, doesn't offer much value in the powerplay or at the death, so he might not be at the forefront of Bangalore's bowling plans.
#1 Reece Topley
Reece Topley's IPL 2023 campaign was cut short by a shoulder injury. He has dealt with a plethora of fitness concerns over the years, so whether his body can hold up over a 14-game league stage is a massive question.
Nevertheless, Topley might have enough time to rest, as both Alzarri Joseph and Lockie Ferguson might be ahead of him in the overseas fast-bowling pecking order. Joseph and Ferguson offer express pace, a new dimension to the attack, and the latter has been in excellent form in the last two months.
RCB already have a left-armer, Dayal, who can swing the new ball, so Topley might not have a massive role to play in IPL 2024.