Over the last 3-4 years, Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) have struggled to make the playoffs but in IPL 2020 they did perform well and make it to the top four. Having said that, they lost the momentum towards the business end of the tournament and lost the Eliminator against SRH. For the first time in many years, RCB’s bowling looked good with the likes of Chris Morris and Yuzvendra Chahal performing well, but their batting wasn’t great.
Aaron Finch struggled at the top and even Virat Kohli didn’t have a great tournament. Devdutt Padikkal was a bright spot in the batting but apart from that none of the Indian batsmen really fired. RCB should look to make some changes to their squad which will help them go the distance in IPL 2021. The trade window is an opportunity to strengthen their team and so let’s have a look at the five players RCB should buy if released in IPL 2021 trade window.
5. Krishnappa Gowtham
Royal Challengers Bangalore has some good spinners in Washington Sundar and Yuzvendra Chahal, but they can strengthen their bowling by adding local boy – Krishnappa Gowtham to the squad. Gowtham knows the conditions in Bangalore better than most of the players, and he is a player who can contribute in all three departments.
In the last few years in the IPL, Gowtham has played some brilliant cameos with the bat which has helped his team get over the line. RCB needs a lower-order hitter and Gowtham fits that role perfectly. RCB should target him in the IPL 2021 trade window.
4. Karun Nair
Over the years, RCB has struggled to get a solid batsman apart from Virat Kohli and AB De Villiers. Their middle-order seems to be the problem and some good Indian batsmen could solve that problem. Karun Nair, who is another local boy could be a good option in the middle-order for RCB.
Kings XI Punjab didn’t give him many chances and RCB could try and ask for Nair in the trade window. He can play attacking shots and can hang in there if required. He knows the conditions in Bangalore which will come in handy for RCB.
3. Deepak Hooda
Another player who can play a similar role is Deepak Hooda. The Baroda player has the potential and has shown that in the IPL. He is one of those guys who can start hitting the ball right from the start, and he could fit in the middle-order for RCB.
He can learn from a player like AB De Villiers which will be extremely helpful for the youngster. Deepak Hooda can bat at No.5 or No.6 and can even bowl some spin overs if required. He is also a great fielder and could be an asset for RCB.
2. Chris Lynn
Before IPL 2019, RCB traded Quinton De Kock to Mumbai Indians and now RCB should try and get the MI opener, Chris Lynn, in their team. Aaron Finch who is an experienced player didn’t perform in the last IPL and so RCB should try and keep more options for the opening batsman.
The flat pitch at the Chinnaswamy Stadium might just get the best out of Chris Lynn, and we might get to see Lynnsanity at Bangalore. Lynn to open the batting in Bangalore is not a bad idea and RCB should think of that.
1. Josh Hazlewood
RCB’s Dale Steyn has made it clear that he won’t be taking a part in this year’s IPL and so RCB would miss a fast bowler from their squad. RCB should look for a replacement and who better than Josh Hazlewood who bowls with pace and bowls a great bouncer.
KKR’s first choice bowler is Pat Cummins and so CSK could offer this trade of Josh Hazlewood which might just work in their favour. He can bowl well at the death which might help RCB solve their death bowling problems if they trade smartly in the IPL 2021 trade window.
