"Virat-Faf-Maxwell, and then full stop" - Deep Dasgupta on RCB's biggest drawback during IPL 2023 season
Former India wicketkeeper Deep Dasgupta highlighted the lack of balance in the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) batting unit and their over-dependence on the trio of Virat Kohli, Faf du Plessis and Glenn Maxwell. The franchise finished sixth in IPL 2023 and failed to qualify for the playoffs for the first time in three years.
RCB needed a win over the Gujarat Titans (GT) on the final day of the league stage to seal their qualification. However, the three-time finalist slumped to defeat on their home ground by six wickets after failing to defend a 198-run target.
Addressing the team's biggest issue in the 2023 edition, Deep Dasgupta said on ESPN Cricinfo:
"The problem this year for RCB, as far as I am concerned, is that Virat-Faf-Maxwell, and then full stop."
Dasgupta feels that the team should look to invest in some Indian talents going forward despite the presence of Rajat Patidar in the setup. He said:
"The main concern for RCB would be looking at some really good Indian talent. They missed Patidar, who was their No.3. His return would not solve most of their problems, because he is still not a proven commodity yet at this level, so they would really need to look at some of the Indian talent available and invest in them."
The franchise sorely missed the services of Rajat Patidar in the middle order after he was ruled out of the season due to a foot injury. The likes of Mahipal Lomror, Anuj Rawat, Dinesh Karthik, and Suyash Prabhudessai were all tried and tested, but the results were far from optimum.
"There is a lot to like over what they have done this year" - Tom Moody on RCB's 2023 campaign
While RCB finished with only 14 points in the season, there were a lot of positives, especially in terms of individual performances. Virat Kohli and Faf du Plessis were heavily among the runs, while Mohammed Siraj largely maintained his form with the new ball. The three-time finalist also bowled out RR for a paltry 59 in Jaipur with a clinical bowling performance as well.
Addressing the positives from their season, Tom Moody said during the same interaction:
"There is a lot to like over what they have done this year, Virat Kohli returning to his best and Faf du Plessis in incredible form at the top of the order, great leadership from him as well. Mohammed Siraj bowling exceptionally well, throughout the whole tournament, Maxwell has also done enough, it is definitely a tick."
Will the franchise make major changes to their squad after failing to qualify for the IPL 2023 playoffs? Let us know what you think.