Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have always had the potential but no IPL trophy to show for it.
This year they’ve gone all out and spent big on overseas stars. But their three big buys Romario Shepherd, Phil Salt and Liam Livingstone are heading into the season in wretched form.
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RCB’s history of relying on overseas firepower could be a problem.
Romario Shepherd, the all-rounder, has had a rough patch in T20s, taking just 3 wickets and 110 runs in his last 10 games.
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Salt, bought for ₹11.50 crore to open and provide explosive starts, failed in India in ODIs and T20Is.
Livingstone, the middle order game-changer, has also had a poor run, barely impacting with bat or ball in recent games.
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RCB has built their squad around these players and their form will be key. Salt will open with Kohli, Livingstone will add firepower in the middle and Shepherd will finish with bat and ball.
But if they don’t deliver, RCB will have to rethink their combinations.
There are back-ups in Devdutt Padikkal and Tim David but the management will want their big names to justify the investment.
The franchise has seen promising starts collapse due to inconsistent overseas performances in the past. With high expectations these three will be under pressure to perform.
RCB’s season will depend on whether these stars find their rhythm. If they do Bengaluru could be a serious contender.
If not it could be another season of disappointment. The first few games will set the tone RCB will either fly or falter, depending on whether these key players step up.
