RCB Team Preview: Is 2021 Virat and His Men End Their Trophy Drought?

<p>Perennial contenders <b>Royal Challengers Bangalore</b> begin their IPL 2021 campaign against defending champions Mumbai Indians at Chepauk this Friday. With the big signings of Glenn Maxwell and Kyle Jamieson, will the evergreen chant "Ee Sala Cup Namde" come to fruition? Let's find out in the Sixer Market-driven RCB team preview.</p>

08 April 2021

In 13 years of the IPL, not one season has gone by in which RCB hasn't been touted as a genuine contender. For starters, they've got Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers, who are two of the best batsmen in this format. However, their worries usually lie on the bowling front. Although a few noteworthy bowlers are present in their side going into the IPL, there still some doubts over their viability and legibility as a contender in the IPL. Either way, not many would doubt the players' ability, especially in the Sixer Market, which makes RCB one of the top teams to watch out for in the competition. Before we dive headfirst into the numbers, here's a tip or two on how RCB can potentially line up!Team Insight: Royal Challengers Bangalore have the least number of players on their roster (22), although they are well represented in the Sixer Market. Unlike yesteryears, RCB finally seems to have some balance in the side, but it has come at a cost. Chris Morris (RR) and Moeen Ali (CSK) are no longer with the Bangalore franchise although two big-money signings in Glenn Maxwell and Kyle Jamieson are set to don the Red, Black and Gold this season. Along with them, Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers, the onus will be on Yuzvendra Chahal to lead their bowling attack as they try and flip the script in IPL 2021.Strongest Possible XI*: Kohli (c), Padikkal, de Villiers (wk), Baby, Maxwell, Christian, Jamieson, Sundar, Siraj, Saini and ChahalPlayers to Watch Out ForVirat Kohli (59.70 Sixer Coins): Perhaps the best batsman globally, Virat Kohli is a run-scoring machine. The highest run-scorer in the history of the IPL, Virat had a lukewarm season last time around. While his epic knock against CSK in IPL 2020 was one for the ages, he wasn't able to shift gears at will, which was a cause for concern. However, Virat is in fine form at the moment. His last T20I series saw him register as many as three 100+ match scores against England, holding him in good stead ahead of the IPL. And with spin-friendly pitches awaiting RCB, Kohli might be in for a big season alongside Devdutt Padikkal, who is available for 61.40 Sixer Coins per Share!AB de Villiers (59.70 Sixer Coins): AB de Villiers is an excitement machine! Given his range of shots, ability to shift gears at will and knack for scoring big runs, AB de Villiers is the perfect foil for Virat Kohli in the RCB batting unit. AB de Villiers was RCB's most important batsman in the previous editions with nine 50+ match scores, including three man-of-the-match awards. Although the South African hasn't played much cricket since the end of the IPL 2020, he is surely a force to reckon with in the Sixer Market! Watch out for his stocks, which currently trade at 59.70 Sixer Coins, the same as Virat Kohli's shares are at the moment.Yuzvendra Chahal (47.60 Sixer Coins): A household name in the IPL, Chahal has been RCB's go-to bowler over the last few years. Ever since making his debut for RCB in 2014, Chahal has never disappointed with the ball with his record speaking for itself. However, Chahal has a point or two to prove to his fantasy shareholders this IPL. He is currently trading at an all-time low of 47.60 Sixer Coins per Share, and even his place in the Indian T20I set-up is under scrutiny. With all to play for in this IPL, Chahal is in for a decisive IPL season. Keeping in mind the venues that Bangalore are set to play in, Chahal will be crucial to their fortunes come April 9th!Glenn Maxwell (60.90 Sixer Coins): Big-money signing Glenn Maxwell is the talk of the town come every IPL auction. Although his IPL record isn't too great, Maxwell's sheer explosiveness and skill-set make him an invaluable asset to any franchise. Given RCB's struggles in the middle-overs last time around, Glenn Maxwell's signing is a match made in heaven. With Virat and ABD set to garner most of the spotlight, the path is free for Maxwell to express himself freely and stamp his authority on this year's IPL. Trading at 60.90 Sixer Coins, there's a lot of upside in Maxwell's stock, although only time can tell whether Maxwell can finally silence his critics and justify his price tag for once and for all.The additions of Kyle Jamieson and Daniel Christian also add much-needed balance to the RCB side, which makes them even more dangerous heading into this IPL. Although they have a tag of underachievers stuck on their back, RCB certainly has the tool to go the distance this time around. But can they deliver when it really matters? Can they finally slay the demons of 2009, 2011 and 2016? Perhaps, "Ee Sala Cup Namde" could well come true come May 30!* - This is the author's opinion and has nothing to do with Sixer. The side may or may not be the final XI.