The stage is all set for the IPL 2021 auctions in Chennai on 18th February. Royal Challengers Bengaluru has the smallest of all rosters in IPL as of now, and they will be filling a lot of vacancies in the auctions. Here is the overall equation that decides the strategy for RCB in the IPL 2021 player auctions:
Released players: Chris Morris, Shivam Dube, Aaron Finch, Umesh Yadav, Dale Steyn, Moeen Ali, Parthiv Patel, Pawan Negi, Isuru Udana, Gurkeerat Mann.
Players traded-in: Harshal Patel and Daniel Sams
Total purse: 35.4 Crores
Total slots: 11
Overseas slots: 3
1: Opening Pair options:
RCB is surely going through a tough transition phase but some things are static for the team. For instance, Devdutt Padikkal opening the batting for them. RCB might pair him up with Josh Phillipe who had a wonderful BBL season recently. There are no other obvious options in the team and RCB will look for openers in the auctions. Alex Hales might seal the deal for them.
2: All-rounders:
Now that RCB has released Moeen Ali, Shivam Dube, and Pawan Negi, RCB has a lot to do in its all-rounder department. Although they have Washington Sundar and Daniel Sams to play that role, the team management would like to stock-up the department with players who can bat explosively and bowl a bit. Shakib-Al-Hasan, Tom Curran, and Glenn Maxwell could be the best choices.
3: Pacers:
RCB has released Chris Morris, Dale Steyn, and Isuru Udana before the auctions. This has weakened their pace battery. RCB will go for pace bowlers to help share the load with Siraj, Saini, and Kane Richardson.
Players to look for: Jhye Richardson, Adam Milne, Sheldon Cottrel
