Former Indian wicket-keeper batter Deep Dasgupta believes Royal Challengers Bangalore were able to build a proper squad after IPL 2022 auction.
RCB was able to rope in players like Faf du Plessis, Dinesh Karthik, Josh Hazlewood, David Willey, Sherfane Rutherford, Harshal Patel, and Wanindu Hasaranga. Furthermore, they had retained Virat Kohli, Glenn Maxwell, and Mohammed Siraj
Thus, they were able to make a well-balanced team in the auction and they will look to go all the way in the IPL for the first time.
Meanwhile, it will also be interesting to note who will be RCB’s captain in the upcoming season as Virat Kohli had decided to relinquish his leadership duties.
Dasgupta said on his YouTube channel: “I think this is the first time in a long time that I feel that RCB have a proper squad. There is good balance, and it is one of the best bowling units. This time it is a little bit different; earlier it was Virat, AB de Villiers and Gayle.”
Deep Dasgupta feels Anuj Rawat can bat at number five for RCB whereas Dinesh Karthik will bring more experience to the team.
“There is a possibility that Anuj Rawat can do the job at No 5, which has been a problem for RCB. Seniors like Dinesh Karthik will take away the pressure as well. I like their lower middle order; it is not a top-three side anymore.”
On the other hand, Rajasthan Royals were able to rope in Devdutt Padikkal and Rassie van der Dussen. The inaugural champions had earlier retained Jos Buttler and Yashasvi Jaiswal. Deep Dasgupta feels Jos Buttler can add value while batting at number four.
“RR is a top-heavy team. I think Jos Buttler is the only player who can give you some value at No.4. Samson is not suited at No.4. I think Jaiswal and Padikkal will open; Samson will come in at 3, and Buttler will be at No.4.”
“Ideally speaking, you want Buttler to open. Another option is to bench Jaiswal and play van der Dussen at No.4. It will be awkward if they don’t play Jaiswal because they retained him (though).”