Even though a title win continues to elude Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), the Bengaluru-based franchise is one of the most followed teams in the tournament and the fans are once again curious to see its picks at the mega auction. The franchise made 3 picks on the IPL 2022 retention day and retained the services of former skipper Virat Kohli, Glenn Maxwell and Mohammed Siraj.
Since RCB released Devdutt Padikkal, they need a couple of openers in their ranks. And with Kohli relinquishing captaincy, they also need someone who can lead a team. RCB, who have a purse of Rs 57 crore, will have their task cut out in the IPL 2022 mega auction. Before the two-day event, here’s a look at 3 openers that RCB might target to be Kohli’s opening partner –
Devdutt Padikkal
The opener pair of Devdutt Padikkal and Kohli did the job to perfection for RCB and there are high chances of the franchisee bringing back their former opener. It was his success at RCB that earned Padikkal his maiden India call-up last year and RCB would not want any other franchise to buy him.
RCB groomed the youngster for 3 years and gave him regular chances in two seasons. They might be ready to spend a big amount as well. Padikkal, who had joined RCB for Rs 20 lakh in 2019, scored 884 runs for them in 29 matches.
Faf du Plessis
Faf du Plessis has been a consistent performer in the T20 league in the past couple of years and played a key role in Chennai Super Kings’ title wins in 2018 and 2021. The opening batsman had joined CSK for Rs 1.6 crore but is expected to breach the 5 crore-mark this year.
His batting prowess will surely draw him bids from many franchises and RCB could be one of the teams which might bid for him. The presence of two experienced batters at the top will be a big boost for RCB if Plessis joins them.
Ishan Kishan
RCB was one of the teams which was keen to buy Ishan Kishan in 2018 and was ready to spend Rs 6 crore before Mumbai Indians made the winning bid. Once again, RCB might have their eyes on the wicketkeeper-batsman. Kishan can go for big shots right from the word go and can give RCB quick starts.
The left-handed batsman can also bat in the middle-order and will also keep wickets. He is also a captain in domestic cricket and can be given the top job with an eye on the future. He brings multiple skills to the table. With an eye on someone who can accelerate, RCB might look for Kishan. The former India U-19 skipper is expected to breach the 10 crore-mark this year.
