IPL 2024 Auction: Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) have been the kind of team that has consistently boasted a star-studded line-up over the years, featuring players like Chris Gayle, Virat Kohli and AB De Villiers. However, they often faltered when it came to the end of the tournament, mainly due to challenges in containing the run flow.
Led by Faf du Plessis, RCB will be keen to bolster their bowling strength, especially in supporting paceman Mohammed Siraj in his quest for his maiden title.
Having retained 18 players, including Glenn Maxwell and Siraj, and released 11 others, RCB will focus on building a lethal bowling line-up according to Mo Popat, RCB’s director of cricket.
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“Mohammed Siraj is a key part of what we do, so supporting Siraj with some additional bowling options including overseas bowling options will be a real priority for us going forward,” Popat was quoted as saying in an RCB media release.
The team management released players like Harshal Patel, Wanendu Hasaranga and Josh Hazlewood, signaling a complete revamp in the bowling department.
“We have a core group of home-grown spinners, which I think is very strong. Some of them have got some opportunities over the last year or two and may play more leadership roles going forward,” said Popat.
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With a budget of Rs 40.75 crore and seven places available, RCB will aim for signings to overcome any weaknesses in the squad. RCB recently added a bowling all-rounder to the squad by acquiring Cameron Green from Mumbai Indians for Rs 17.5 crore.
“We have a strong core to retain players, and we have a very strong pecking order. Part of the decision-making process we made around our player release decisions was to try to strengthen the middle order, and bringing in Cameron Green was a great move,” Popat said.
Popat said the team has to develop a brand of cricket that will be entertaining and readable in the long run.
“If we stick to our processes, play an aggressive kind of cricket, and have those moments when we are ready to be brave, it will motivate the fans,” Popat said.
The auction is scheduled to take place on December 19 in Dubai, where 10 franchises are locked in a bidding war for 333 players for IPL 2024.