Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) captain Virat Kohli is happy with how the franchise fared at the IPL Auction on Thursday (December 19) in Kolkata. RCB bought eight players, including the likes of Chris Morris, Aaron Finch, Kane Richardson and Dale Steyn. Kohli wants his team to play 'bold' cricket in the upcoming season to turn around their fortunes.
“I am very happy with the players that we have selected and really looking forward to the new season. We’ve had a lot of discussions on the structure and balance of the team and this looks like a good start for us,” Kohli said.
“I believe it all comes down to every individual to give out their best performance during the league and to enjoy the best form of cricket by playing bold,” he added.
RCB’s Director of Cricket Operations Mike Hesson said the plan of the franchise in the auction was to look at players that will combine well with the retained squad.
“We want a squad that can have balance and adapt to any conditions both at home and away. To pick players who help us maximise our budget judiciously took a thoughtful approach. I am very pleased with the way auction went,” he said.
“We wanted the majority of our overseas players to bring plenty of international experience in order to add and share knowledge with the exciting developing talents we already have at RCB. When we look at any overseas player to bring to RCB, it’s not only about talent, but where else can they contribute,” he added.
“Chris Morris and Isuru Udana both provide all round packages being able to bowl at any time in the innings, especially death overs. Kane Richardson and Dale Steyn have the ability to take wickets in the Power Play and bring some hostility and experience to our attack.
“We have picked a local talent in Pavan Deshpande who provides us batting cover, his power and flexibility where he bats is a very useful addition to the squad.”
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RCB have never won the IPL title, but have been runners-up three times in 2009, 2011 and 2016 respectively.
Royal Challengers Bangalore Squad: Virat Kohli (c), AB de Villiers, Gurkeerat Mann, Devdutt Padikkal, Aaron Finch, Yuzvendra Chahal, Mohammed Siraj, Umesh Yadav, Navdeep Saini, Kane Richardson, Dale Steyn, Isuru Udana, Moeen Ali, Pawan Negi, Shivam Dube, Washington Sundar, Chris Morris, Pavan Deshpande, Parthiv Patel, Joshua Philippe, Shahbaz Ahamad.
(With PTI inputs)
