After the mini-auction in December 2023, Royal Challengers Bangalore’s (RCB) bowling team was closely studied.
It was mostly due to RCB management’s decision to remove their core bowling unit of Josh Hazlewood, Wanindu Hasaranga, and Harshal Patel, who generally performed admirably for the side during the game.
The IPL 2023 powerplay saw them excel. Second only to Rajasthan Royals’ economy rate of 7.70, their 7.79 ranked impressive. Yet, wickets defined their dominance – a staggering 33, leaving Chennai Super Kings’ 26 a distant second-best. Their bowling struck with unmatched impact early on.
Though their powerplay figures demonstrated their ability with the new ball, RCB bowlers did not have much success after the powerplay. They were the second-worst middle-overs team, with a 9.60 economy and 39 wickets. With an economy of 8.16 and 52 wickets, the Gujarat Titans dominated this period unlike any other.
In the dying overs, however, Royal Challengers Bangalore had a mixed bag in IPL 2023, conceding runs at an economy rate of 11.06 and taking up 32 wickets, while GT once again led the way with an economy rate of 9.46 and 47 wickets in the 16-20 overs phase.
These figures are significant since RCB has an entirely new bowling attack, and they would have to start again and may not succeed in their better stages. That being said, RCB has some intriguing bowlers in their ranks that might surprise in the IPL 2024.
In this this post, I will consider 3 RCB young bowling companions who might hit it large in the next season.
3. Mayank Dagar
Left-arm spinner Mayank Dagar, who was traded from SunRisers Hyderabad to Royal Challengers Bangalore, will play an important part in this team given RCB head coach Andy Flower’s preference for matchups.
Dagar excels with precise bowling, hitting stumps repeatedly. Economy rate, 6.18 for T20s, showcases consistency. He could stabilize the middle overs – a potential solution.
2. Himanshu Sharma
One of the key challenges for Royal Challengers Bangalore this year following the auction was their lack of spin bowling resources. They cover all categories but lack quality or experience.
Himanshu Sharma, a 25-year-old leg-spinner making his IPL 2023 debut against GT, impressed with his variations, albeit conceding 28 runs in three overs.
Those who have watched him bowl understand that assessing a bowler’s ability based just on one contest is unfair.
1. Yash Dayal
Yash Dayal, a potential left-arm bowler who was on the receiving end of Rinku Singh’s fury, giving five straight sixes in the penultimate over, would be looking for a change of fortunes with a change of team.
Dayal, a bowler whose strength is moving the ball early in the innings, would be enough to persuade management to play him and employ him as a powerplay specialist with Mohammed Siraj.
He can also bowl strong lengths in the middle overs, but his inconsistent lines may cost him.
Recently, RCB played Lancashire in a warm-up match in Chinnaswamy, where Yash Dayal lit up the new ball, and fans may expect a similar performance from the bowler in the IPL 2024.
