Royal Challengers Bangalore – IPL 2020 Team Preview

Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) is one of the franchise teams and is based on the city of Bengaluru. Royal Challengers Bangalore is one of the eight teams to feature from the inaugural IPL season held in 2010. Royal Challengers is one of 3 items that are yet to win an IPL trophy so far. RCB is owned by the United Spirits Liquor Company. Royal Challengers Bangalore team is currently captained by Indian Skipper Virat Kohli. RCB had some iconic Players such as Rahul Dravid, Anil Kumble, Daniel Vettori, Chris Gayle, and Jacques Kallis representing the team. RCB is often called as the underachievers of the IPL so far. 

No. of seasons played: 12 (All seasons)

Best Result: Runners-up in 2009, 2011 & 2016

2019 Season result: 8^th place

Coach: Simon Katich

Matches played: 181

Won: 84

Lost: 93

No result: 4

Best Win-loss ratio: 14-8 vs Delhi Capitals

Least Win-loss ratio: 7-16 vs Chennai Super Kings

Royal Challengers Bangalore players

Now, let`s analyze the team combination, squad strength, and different player options available for the RCB team for the IPL 2020. RCB has always been one of the teams to look out for despite not winning the title so far owing to their star players.   

Captain: Virat Kohli

Virat Kohli is one of the most consistent players in international cricket across all formats. He also is the captain of the Indian cricket team across all formats. He is also the leading run-scorer in the IPL history so far. 

Batsmen: Aaron Finch, AB De Villiers, Devdutt Padikkal, Gurkreet Mann Singh

AB De Villiers aka Mr. 360 needs no introduction to the cricketing fraternity. He can set the ground on fire with his shots all around the park. Aaron Finch will open the batting and will be a big player to RCB this time around.  Devdutt Padikkal and Gurkreet Singh have been in the RCB squad for a couple of years and can play effectively if given an opportunity. 

All-rounders: Moeen Ali, Washington Sundar, Pawan Negi, Shivam Dubey, Chris Morris, Shahbaz Ahmed, Pavan Deshpande, Isuru Udana

Moeen Ali had an excellent season last year with both bat and ball and will slot in the playing XI this season too. Washington Sundar and Pawan Negi will be the spin bowling all-rounders in the team. Shivam Dubey is known for his big-hitting prowess and has played for the Indian team. Chris Morris and Isuru Udana are pace bowling all-rounders from international teams. 

Wicket-Keepers: Parthiv Patel, Josh Philippe

Parthiv Patel will be the first-choice wicketkeeper for the team. He will open the batting alongside Finch. Josh Philippe is an exciting young player from Australia picked up by the team this year. 

Bowlers: Mohammed Siraj, Navdeep Saini, Umesh Yadav, Dale Steyn, Yuzi Chahal, Adam Zampa

They have good pace bowlers from the local circuit with the likes of Siraj, Umesh Yadav, and Navdeep Saini who can bowl at 140+ kmph consistently. Dale Steyn is one of the greatest pace bowlers of this generation will hope injuries won’t cut short his stint this season. Chahal is the lead spinner for the RCB and can be a deadly bowler in the dust bowls in UAE. Adam Zampa is a late replacement for Kane Richardson in this year`s IPL. 

Best possible XI

Virat Kohli (C), Aaron Finch, Parthiv Patel (Wk), AB De Villiers, Shivam Dubey, Moeen Ali, Washington Sundar, Yuzvendra Chahal, Dale Steyn, Navdeep Saini, Umesh Yadav

Remaining Players: Devdutt Padikkal, Gurkreet Mann Singh, Pawan Negi, Chris Morris, Shahbaz Ahmed, Pavan Deshpande, Isuru Udana, Josh Philippe, Mohammed Siraj, Adam Zampa

RCB IPL 2020 Prediction:

RCB has been one of the strongest teams in the IPL with good quality Indian and International players in the team. They have a top-heavy batting line-up with the likes of Kohli, Finch, and AB De Villiers at the top. They have a good mix of pace and spin bowling departments with good mix youth and experience. RCB rely heavily on their top order to score runs and lack a proven finisher in their lower order with Moeen Ali given the responsibility in the lower order. RCB`s bowling department lacks death over specialist who can vary the pace of the ball effectively.  We expect the Royal Challengers Bangalore to reach the semi-finals of the IPL2020 season with the presence of Kohli, AB De Villiers, Steyn, and Finch in the team. 

Top players to bet on

1. Virat Kohli – Quality batsmen and skipper
2. Moeen Ali – Middle-order batsmen & spin bowler
3. AB De Villiers – Plays shots in 360 degrees
4. Dale Steyn –  Gun Pace bowler 
5. Yuzvendra Chahal – Premium spinner for the team

RCB IPL 2020 Schedule

Royal Challengers Bangalore will play their opening match against their Sunrisers Hyderabad in the third match of the tournament.   Here is the complete schedule of Royal Challengers Bangalore for the IPL 2020.

1. Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Royal Challengers Bangalore, 3rd Match

Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai

Sep 21, Mon, 7:30 PM

1. Kings XI Punjab vs Royal Challengers Bangalore, 6th Match

Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai

Sep 24, Thu, 7:30 PM

1. Royal Challengers Bangalore vs Mumbai Indians, 10th Match

Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai

Sep 28, Mon, 7:30 PM

1. Royal Challengers Bangalore vs Rajasthan Royals, 15th Match

Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi

Oct 03, Sat, 3:30 PM

1. Royal Challengers Bangalore vs Delhi Capitals, 19th Match

Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai

Oct 05, Mon, 7:30 PM

1. Chennai Super Kings vs Royal Challengers Bangalore, 25th Match

Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai

Oct 10, Sat, 7:30 PM

1. Royal Challengers Bangalore vs Kolkata Knight Riders, 28th Match

Sharjah Cricket Stadium, Sharjah

Oct 12, Mon, 7:30 PM

1. Royal Challengers Bangalore vs Kings XI Punjab, 31st Match

Sharjah Cricket Stadium, Sharjah

Oct 15, Thu, 7:30 PM

1. Rajasthan Royals vs Royal Challengers Bangalore, 33rd Match

Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai

Oct 17, Sat, 3:30 PM

1. Kolkata Knight Riders vs Royal Challengers Bangalore, 39th Match

Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi

Oct 21, Wed, 7:30 PM

1. Royal Challengers Bangalore vs Chennai Super Kings, 44th Match

Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai

Oct 25, Sun, 3:30 PM

1. Mumbai Indians vs Royal Challengers Bangalore, 48th Match

Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi

Oct 28, Wed, 7:30 PM

1. Royal Challengers Bangalore vs Sunrisers Hyderabad, 52nd Match

Sharjah Cricket Stadium, Sharjah

Oct 31, Sat, 7:30 PM

1. Delhi Capitals vs Royal Challengers Bangalore, 55th Match

Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi

Nov 02, Mon, 7:30 PM

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