Renowned Indian Cricketer Recommends Major Alterations to RCB Starting Lineup, Advocating for Faf Du Plessis at Number 3

RCB players in action during IPL 2024

Former Indian cricket team batsman Krishnamachari Srikkanth has proposed significant alterations to the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) playing XI in the ongoing IPL 2024 season following their defeat to the Kolkata Knight Riders. Speaking during a discussion on Star Sports, Srikkanth suggested that Will Jacks should be allowed to open the innings alongside Virat Kohli, while Faf du Plessis should be positioned at No. 3. Additionally, he recommended dropping Alzarri Joseph and Rajat Patidar from the squad and including an Indian fast bowler such as Akash Deep.

“Will Jacks is a fantastic off-spinner, and I believe we can utilize him for a couple of overs. The lineup should consist of Will Jacks and Virat Kohli opening, followed by Faf du Plessis at No. 3, Cameron Green at 4, and Glenn Maxwell. Furthermore, dropping Alzarri Joseph and Patidar while introducing an Indian fast bowler like Akash Deep would provide a better balance between batting and bowling,” stated Srikkanth during the Star Sports discussion.

Expressing concern over RCB’s bowling performance, particularly their lack of variety, Srikkanth emphasized the need for improvement to avoid a challenging IPL season. He highlighted the team’s struggle to contain opposition batsmen, citing their failure to bowl a single bouncer to disrupt the flow of Kolkata Knight Riders innings.

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The recent match against Kolkata Knight Riders showcased RCB’s bowling weaknesses, as they failed to defend a competitive total of 183 runs. Despite the common justification of dew and pitch conditions, a deeper analysis reveals lapses in RCB’s bowling strategy and execution.

Mohammed Siraj’s initial over conceded 18 runs, while Alzarri Joseph also struggled, offering loose deliveries that were dispatched for boundaries and sixes. Although Vysakh Vijayakumar displayed promise with his variations, experienced bowlers failed to utilize similar tactics consistently.

Reflecting on the match, Vijayakumar acknowledged the challenges posed by dew but emphasized the importance of mixing up deliveries. However, statistics indicate that KKR bowlers effectively utilized variations, while RCB bowlers struggled to contain runs.

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In conclusion, Srikkanth’s suggestions for changes in RCB’s playing XI aim to address their bowling deficiencies and enhance overall team performance. With the IPL season underway, RCB will need to implement strategic adjustments to remain competitive in the tournament.

Naiteek Bhatt