IPL 2019: 3 underrated players who can help RCB win their first title
The 12th edition of Indian Premier League - IPL 2019 - will kick off on March 23 with defending champions Chennai Super Kings taking on Royal Challengers Bangalore.
The first 11 seasons have been highly successful, with the tournament blooding a plethora of young talent and showcasing high quality cricket. CSK have won 3 IPL titles whereas RCB are yet to lift the trophy.
Having come agonizingly close to triumph three times, RCB will again be craving for silverware this season. And this time they might be better-placed to cross the finish line than in previous years.
For most of the first 11 seasons, RCB had a lopsided squad - highly skewed in favor of batting. But this year, they have added new dimensions to their squad. Apart from a heavy batting lineup, the team is now blessed with decent fast bowlers and steadfast spinners.
Umesh Yadav will lead the pace attack whereas Yuzvendra Chahal and Washington Sundar will constitute the spin attack. The presence of bona fide all-rounders – Marcus Stoinis, Colin de Grandhomme and Moeen Ali - will certainly give RCB an edge.
The strong will of Virat Kohli doubled with a competent squad means anything less than the IPL trophy will be a huge disappointment for Bengaluru's fans. On that note, let's take a look at 3 underrated players who can help RCB win IPL 2019.
1. Shimron Hetmyer
The 22-year-old left-handed batsman from Guyana has been earmarked as a future star. He has already scored 4 ODI centuries in just 22 ODIs at a strike-rate of 109.29. One of these 4 centuries, one came against India in India.
Royal Challengers Bangalore acquired the services of Hetmyer for INR 4.2 crore. With RCB already having Virat Kohli and AB De Villiers in the team, Hetmyer will further add to their batting riches.
Also, him being left-handed means that RCB will get a new dynamism in the middle overs as he will be able to neutralize left-arm orthodox and wrist-spinners (with their stock ball turning into the left hander).
Hetmyer's most recent exploits include an innings of 104* off 83 balls against a varied England attack. Also, the prior experience of playing in Indian conditions will work in his favor.
If Hetmyer shines, then RCB could well win their maiden IPL trophy.