IPL 2021 Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) Best Playing 11

The trio of Kohli, Abd & Maxwell, the focus as we look at the predicted playing 11 of Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) for IPL 2021.

“Ee sala cup Namde” is not just a phrase now; it is an emotion. It’s been 13 years and counting for the Royal Challengers Bangalore to have a place registered on that coveted IPL Trophy. They have had 3 successful shots at the trophy in 2009, 2011, and 2016, but could only manage being the runners-up. 

Come to IPL 2021, RCB would have their 14th attempt to cross the silver line. The squad would be led by Team India’s best all-format captain as per stats, Virat Kohli. Supporting him in the limelight would be the dynamic duo of Ab de Villiers and Glenn Maxwell. 

But, is RCB only about these 3 players? Well, definitely not. They have managed a decent core in the last couple of years with the likes of Yuzvendra Chahal, Washington Sundar, Navdeep Saini, Devdutt Padikkal, and Mohammed Siraj taking the centre stage. 

IPL 2021 Auction Outcome

RCB’s 2021 Auction strategy has also been quite good as they finally invested in the depleted lower middle-order by acquiring the services of Glenn Maxwell. They also got two good all-rounders in the form of Kyle Jamieson and Daniel Christian.

However, all three are not reliable options, and the strategy may backfire if they don’t perform. The team also got New Zealand’s attacking opener Finn Allen as Joshua Philippe’s replacement after the latter withdrew from the tournament citing personal reasons. 

Other than these overseas stars, RCB invested in youngsters by acquiring the services of KS Bharath, Mohd. Azharuddeen (WK), Rajat Patidar, Sachin Baby, and Suyash Prabhudesai. All bring-in unique strengths to the table, and if managed well, can certainly give good returns. 

So, looking at the overall squad of RCB, what could be their strongest predicted playing 11 for IPL 2021? Let’s find out in this article. Before that, let’s quickly skim through RCB’s final squad for IPL 2021. 

Royal Challengers Bangalore’s Squad for IPL 2021: 

Batsmen: Ab de Villiers (WK), Devdutt Padikkal, Finn Allen, KS Bharath, Mohd. Azharuddeen (WK), Rajat Patidar, Sachin Baby & Virat Kohli (C)

All-rounders: Daniel Christian, Glenn Maxwell, Harshal Patel, Kyle Jamieson, Pavan Deshpande, Suyash Prabhudesai, Shahbaz Ahmad & Washington Sundar

Bowlers: Adam Zampa, Daniel Sams, Kane Richardson, Mohammad Siraj, Navdeep Saini & Yuzvendra Chahal

The Solid Core 

RCB’s core for IPL 2021 consists of 8 players. These include Devdutt Padikkal, Virat Kohli, and Ab de Villiers in the top-order. Glenn Maxwell in the middle-order. Washington Sundar and Kyle Jamieson in the all-rounder department. Yuzvendra Chahal, Navdeep Saini, and Mohammed Siraj in the bowling department. 

Devdutt Padikkal has been a consistent performer in the domestic circuit in the last few years. He also did exceptionally well in his debut IPL season, IPL 2020 scoring over 400 runs. Virat and him are certain to open the innings as pointed by Virat Kohli post 5th ODI presentation vs England. 

RCB’s new overseas recruits, Glenn Maxwell and Kyle Jamieson have been purchased after paying them a hefty amount in IPL 2021 Auction. How much they prove to be valuable to the side is yet to be seen, but they are sure to play many matches for the side. 

The bowling attack should once again rely on the Indian counterparts, Washington Sundar, Yuzvendra Chahal, Navdeep Saini, and Mohammed Siraj. They are sure to play all the matches unless the pitch offers more spin, and one of the pacers is left out. 

Strongest Predicted Playing XI for RCB for IPL 2021:

Virat Kohli has confirmed himself to play as the opener in IPL 2021. That means Devdutt Padikkal, Virat Kohli, Ab de Villiers, and Glenn Maxwell should make the top 4 of the line-up for them. At number 5, RCB would have to rely upon one of the youngsters. They have options in the form of, Mohd. Azharuddeen (WK), Rajat Patidar, Sachin Baby, Shahbaz Ahmed, and Suyash Prabhu desai.

Of these 5, Mohammed Azharuddeen seems the most potent bet. Azharuddeen is a dynamic attacking player that can play in the middle-order or opener depending on the situation. He is also a handy wicket-keeper, and can be tried upon to give AB some rest in keeping. 

The fourth overseas payer should be one of Daniel Christian, Daniel Sams, or Kane Richardson. While Daniel Sams and Kane Richardson give good bowling options, Daniel is an attacking batsman down the order. The RCB team needs someone to play the Finisher role. Moreover, Christian can provide valuable 2-3 overs in the match.

Strongest Predicted 11 for Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) for IPL 2021:

Devdutt Padikkal, Virat Kohli (C), AB de Villiers, Glenn Maxwell, Mohammed Azharuddeen (WK), Daniel Christian, Washington Sundar, Kyle Jamieson, Navdeep Saini, Mohammed Siraj & Yuzvendra Chahal. 

Option 1: Finn Allen for Daniel Christian

Finn Allen, who is an attacking wicket-keeper batsman has good returns in the T20 format as an opener. If RCB face bad returns in the lower-order then Finn Allen can be played as an opener for Daniel Christian with Glenn Maxwell then batting at number 5. This way, RCB get the desired depth they needed in the batting department. 

Devdutt Padikkal, Finn Allen (WK), Virat Kohli (C), AB de Villiers, Glenn Maxwell, Mohammed Azharuddeen, Washington Sundar, Kyle Jamieson, Navdeep Saini, Mohammed Siraj & Yuzvendra Chahal. 

Option 2: Preparing for Spin Paradise

RCB play their initial few matches on slow and low pitches of Chennai. In this scenario, they should have their team also designed to attack with spin bowling. If such a scenario, Adam Zampa should get a game in place of Kyle Jamieson or Daniel Christian.

However, removing any one of Christian or Jamieson would make their bowling line-up thin. Hence, Siraj should be left out for an extra batter. Given the options they have, they can look to bring in Sachin Baby, Shahbaz Ahmed or Suyash Prabhudesai to play at 6.

Devdutt Padikkal, Virat Kohli (C), AB de Villiers, Glenn Maxwell, Mohammed Azharuddeen (WK), Sachin Baby, Washington Sundar, Daniel Christian / Kyle Jamieson, Navdeep Saini, Adam Zampa & Yuzvendra Chahal. 

So, that completes the strongest playing XI combinations for Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) for IPL 2021. They have a few really strong individuals that can turn the match on their heads. However, Virat Kohli and Co. need to extract the best out of their inexperienced group to have a successful campaign. 

Thanks for reading! What’s your predicted playing 11 for RCB for IPL 2021? Please email your thoughts to business@cricalytics.com

ALSO READ: IPL 2021 Special: Strongest Predicted Playing XI for Mumbai Indians (MI)

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Adesh Kothari

Adesh Kothari is the founder of AK4Tsay1 Cricalytics with over 20 years of experience following Cricket.

Cricket to him is like what Football is to Lionel Messi, Singing is to Lata Mangeshkar, Dancing is to Michael Jackson, and Acting is to Clint Eastwood.

Besides his effervescent love for Cricket, Adesh is an MBA by qualification.