IPL 2020 team forms: Rajasthan Royals, Royal Challengers Bangalore

Despite the delay, despite the uncertainties, the Indian Premier League is yet to be called off. A truncated tournament, or a very delayed start, is probably on the cards. Where do the franchises stand? Let us start with Rajasthan Royals and Royal Challengers Bangalore, the franchises that occupied the last two spots last season.

Rajasthan Royals

The Royals made ten changes ahead of the season, including trading erstwhile captain Ajinkya Rahane with Delhi Capitals. They also let go of long-standing workhorse Dhawal Kulkarni, but a more surprising release has been that of Krishnappa Gowtham.

Instead, they acquired Rahul Tewatia, another leg-spin-bowling all-rounder, to bolster an attack that already has a top-class leg-spinner in Shreyas Gopal. Other key acquisitions include Yashasvi Jaiswal (who took the Under-19 World Cup by storm), David Miller, Osane Thomas, Andrew Tye, and Tom Curran.

Key players

Jos Buttler: Arguably the most destructive batsman in contemporary cricket, Buttler will return to his role at the top, probably to partner Sanju Samson. They may end up forming the most-feared opening pair of the tournament.

Ben Stokes: After the World Cup, the Ashes, and the South Africa series, it seems Stokes can do little wrong at this point, with bat or with ball. Expect him to bat in the top four to take on bowlers in the middle overs, then pick up a crucial wicket or two, not mention those spectacular catches.

Shreyas Gopal: Rajasthan’s (if not the IPL’s) best bowler last season, Gopal has bothered almost every batsman with his variations. Rajasthan seems set to prepare turning tracks, which will make Gopal even more important.

Prediction: A middle-of-the table finish, at fourth or fifth.

Royal Challengers Bangalore

While Virat Kohli, AB de Villiers, Moeen Ali, and the bowlers impressed, there was little help from the support cast last season, especially the middle order. The fans had to witness yet another episode of dismal failure for their team despite boasting of a very strong outfit.

To make amends to their batting failures, Bangalore drafted in Aaron Finch, who was in excellent form this Australian summer; Devdutt Padikkal, who took the Indian limited-overs domestic circuit by storm this season; and Chris Morris, who add to the firepower with both bat and ball.

Bowling has never been Bangalore’s – though, to be fair, they showed improvement last year. This time, too, Kane Richardson, Navdeep Saini, Dale Steyn (if he stays fit), Yuzvendra Chahal, Moeen, and Morris look formidable.

Key players

AB de Villiers: He might have quit international cricket, but even at this stage of his career, anything is possible with de Villiers around. The most important cog in the Bangalore machinery, de Villiers has to raise even beyond his lofty standards if Bangalore are to seal a Playoffs berth.

Devdutt Padikkal: Local boy Padikkal bowled over followers of Indian domestic cricket this winter, emerging with flying colours in both Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and Vijay Hazare Trophy, helping Karnataka win both titles. Kohli may consider opening batting with him.

Yuzvendra Chahal: Bangalore’s finest bowler across styles, Chahal will be expected to keep things tight as well as pick up wickets in the middle overs. The pacers will be key, but they will have to bowl around Chahal.

Prediction

A bottom four finish. Will have to play reallly well to make it to the top four.