Updated: 17 July 2023
IPL 2024: Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) Can Release 5 Players Before Auction: Faf du Plessis-led Royal Challengers Bangalore finished sixth in the IPL 2023 points standings, just missing out on a spot in the tournament’s playoffs. In IPL 2024, RCB may wish to make significant changes to their batting order.
RCB squad got off to a good start with a convincing win over the Mumbai Indians (MI) in IPL 2023. However, two losses in the next two games sapped the momentum, and qualifying came down to winning the last group-stage game. It did not happen, and RCB and its fans were left dissatisfied.
RCB batting team was highly relied on the trio of Glenn Maxwell, Faf du Plessis, and Virat Kohli for the whole IPL 2023 season. If the three failed to score, the Royal Challengers Bangalore would lose the game on the majority of times.
Bangalore had a shaky middle order and an ineffective bowling attack, which lost them several games. Nonetheless, like with every season, it is time to rebuild the team for the sake of the franchise and its supporters. Although a super auction is out of the question, RCB may put together a strong lineup during the IPL 2024 Auction. But first, they’ll have to let go of a few guys.
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Royal Challengers Bangalore May Release 5 Players Before Auction
Dinesh Karthik
Dinesh Karthik had a spectacular run in the IPL 2022 after being signed by RCB in the super auction for INR 5.5 CR. The wicketkeeper batsman amassed 330 runs at a mind-boggling average of 55 and a strike rate of 183.33.
However, in IPL 2023, Karthik failed to score even half of the runs he did in the previous season. The RCB wicketkeeper scored 140 runs at an average of 11.67 in IPL 2023. Team management may release Karthik before IPL 2024 auction
Harshal Patel
Harshal Patel’s form, like that of Dinesh Karthik, has reached rock bottom. Patel finished IPL 2021 as the leading wicket-taker with a record 32 wickets, but he only managed 19 and 14 wickets in the next two editions.
While Patel was at least frugal in IPL 2022, he struggled to keep runs under control in IPL 2023. He grabbed 14 wickets at a 9.65 economy rate. Because his pay was 10.75 crore, RCB may contemplate releasing him and purchasing him for a lower sum.
Anuj Rawat
Anuj Rawat has been at RCB for two seasons and has only made two significant contributions to the team. Given that the Bangalore-based team paid 3.4 crores for his services, the team may consider releasing him and re-acquiring him at a lower cost.
Also Read: IPL 2023 Revenue Has Reached Whopping Rs 9,978 Crore, With 130 Crore Per Match Earning
Shahbaz Ahmed
Shahbaz Ahmed has been at RCB for a few years and has put in some solid performances. However, Shahbaz has failed to provide assurance to management that he can be trusted to do the task.
While Ahmed was a regular member of the RCB playing XI in IPL 2022, he only appeared in 10 games in IPL 2023. With his salary of INR 2.4 crore, RCB management may consider freeing up a spot.
Finn Allen
Finn Allen, a New Zealand batsman, has been with RCB for quite some time but is yet to make his IPL debut. The swashbuckling hitter is unable to get a berth since Faf du Plessis and Glenn Maxwell occupy the two foreign slots, and inserting Allen into the top order would be a difficult challenge for RCB management. As a result, releasing him and bringing in a domestic bowler may be a solid option for RCB.
