In the 15th Indian Premier League, the Royal Challengers Bangalore played some thrilling cricket and advanced to the playoffs. However, they were eliminated from the competition after falling to Rajasthan Royals in the second qualifier. In preparation for the upcoming season, RCB decided to part ways with only five of its players due to the success of the 2022 campaign, preserving the team's balance.
The Bangalore franchise had INR 8.75 crore in their bank account before they bid in the IPL 2023 auction. Reece Topley and Will Jacks, two foreign players who cost RCB the majority of their budget (INR 1.9 crore each), were acquired (INR 3.2 crore). Topley was a solid purchase and is a bankable name in T20 cricket. One can question whether Jacks is a valuable addition to the side, though.
Jacks has only been in four international games thus far and has not yet made an IPL appearance. Bangalore should have hired some seasoned campaigners for the upcoming season because the 24-year-old lacks experience. Additionally, given the makeup of the team, there were certain players that could have improved the side.
The following three players may have been chosen by RCB in place of Will Jacks:
Sikandar Raza
One of the best all-around players Zimbabwe has ever produced in cricket is Sikandar Raza. In T20 tournaments all over the world, the 36-year-old has proven his mettle as a match-winner with both bat and ball. In the shortest format, he has scored 3123 runs in 160 games and claimed 83 victims at an economy rate of 7.31.
In 2022, Raza captivated audiences around the world with his stunning performances. He destroyed bowling units, scoring 735 runs at a 150.92 strike rate in 24 T20Is. Additionally, the guy from Sialkot choked hitters with his variations and scored 25 runs at a 6.13 economy.
Raza is a well-known player in the T20 league who consistently demonstrates his all-around abilities. He might have been able to serve as a stand-in for Wanindu Hasaranga and Glenn Maxwell. The Zimbabwean might have thus been a part of Royal Challengers Bangalore's roster. However, Punjab Kings were able to outbid Raza for his base fee.
Daryl Mitchell
In the game's shortest format, Daryl Mitchell has a history of producing results. The 31-year-old has played in 149 T20 matches and has 3149 runs scored with a strike rate of 132.70. He's had 60 wickets to his credit while bowling, with an economy rate of 9.34.
Mitchell has excelled both domestically and internationally. The flashy batsman played in 41 T20Is and scored 786 runs at a 139.11 strike rate. Additionally, he has demonstrated skill with the ball and has served as a backup bowler when necessary.
The middle order and top order batsman from New Zealand has proven his versatility. Additionally, the star all-rounder was in excellent form going into the IPL 2023 auction, scoring 394 runs at a strike rate of 143.79 in 16 T20Is. Therefore, the New Zealander batter may have been signed by Royal Challengers Bangalore for the forthcoming campaign. His arrival might have improved the team's batting order and given them a seam-bowling alternative. Sadly, he wasn't purchased during the auction because none of the clubs expressed interest in acquiring him.
Jason Holder
One of the top all-rounders in the T20 league right now is Jason Holder. The 31-year-old has played in 204 T20 matches, taken 199 wickets, and amassed 1788 runs with a strike rate of 126.18. In 49 T20Is, he took 51 wickets and scored 385 runs at a strike rate of 120.68, showcasing his talent for the national team as well.
Holder has the ability to make the ball talk at the opening of an inning and provide his team early breakthroughs. The Barbados-born player is also equally proficient with the ball in other parts of the game. He can play the role of a finisher to make significant cameos when batting. He is a fierce striker of the cricket ball.
As the most awaited league is yet to start, who among the best team will make it to the final match?
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