Royal Challengers Bangalore have been having a good time in IPL in recent years. Yes, they might not have won the trophy but at least, unlike the previous seasons, they are consistent now. That said, the team still requires a few loopholes to be fixed. Mike Hesson and co. will look to address it in the upcoming auctions. They might have to be smart while releasing their players. This is one aspect the team has struggled with in recent years. Hence, on that note, we take a look at the list of four players Royal Challengers Bangalore might release before the IPL 2023 Auctions.
1) Sherfane Rutherford
RCB did not have an overseas left-handed middle-order batter and hence, at the auctions, the franchise went for Sherfane Rutherford. However, the player did not do great in the limited opportunities he got. The franchise needs a more reliable option and hence, they could release the West Indian.
If RCB needs a left-hander, it will have to be for the middle order. Finn Allen is anyways the backup opener and hence, RCB’s targets could include the likes of Ben Stokes and Rilee Rossouw. For that, though, they would need sufficient funds and could have to do away with a lot of players.
2) Anuj Rawat
Anuj Rawat is one of the players Royal Challengers Bangalore might release before the IPL 2023 Auctions. The Delhi wicket-keeper batter was hyped before the tournament but the southpaw failed to make an impact. Considering his price tag was over INR 3 Crores, it is inevitable that RCB will release the player.
There are plenty of young batters in the market whom RCB can target. The likes of Rohan Patil, Rohan Kadam and G Ajitesh all could attract the scouts of RCB. For the franchise, the target must preferably be a southpaw and should come at a cheap price. Since the home-grown fans want a Karnataka player in the squad, they could therefore target someone like Rohan Patil or Rohan Kadam.
3) Jason Behrendorff
Jason Behrendorff did not play a single game in IPL 2022. Since Josh Hazlewood and David Willey were a part of the setup, it was not a surprise that Behrendorff did not get a single game. Just to free up funds and overseas slots in the squad, RCB could release the Aussie. In fact, even David Willey might also be released.
The target for the franchise will be a left-arm pacer. RCB does not have a reliable option currently and if players such as Harshal Patel and Josh Hazlewood lose form, RCB might need more options on the bench. While Sam Curran is an exciting option, he could become expensive at the auction and the player’s bowling may anyways not be suitable in a venue like the M Chinnaswamy Stadium. Wayne Parnell and Reece Topley are some of the other choices available for RCB.
4) Karn Sharma
Karn Sharma is also one of the players Royal Challengers Bangalore might release before the IPL 2023 Auctions. The franchise chose Karn Sharma as the backup leg-spinner for Wanindu Hasaranga. However, they might have to invest more in this role for IPL 2023.
Hasaranga can be inconsistent and it is not sure if he would do well at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium. Therefore, the team will have to scout for a younger and more suitable option as the Sri Lankan’s backup. To make that happen, Karn Sharma could be released.
