The Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) was one of the most consistent teams in IPL 2021 but unfortunately could not get over the line against the two-time champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the Eliminator on Monday (11 October) at Sharjah.
Since two new teams are expected to be added to IPL next year, all the existing teams will be allowed to retain a few players with others going into the mega auction ahead of IPL 2022, the former West Indies cricketer Brian Lara had his say on the players RCB should retain.
“I think they have got to make some tough decisions. Of course, Maxwell has come in and listened to what their coaches have to say about him, he has pretty much delivered what was expected of him.
Virat Kohli is a franchise winner anywhere he goes so he is going to be retained in that position. You want to go for people, who you feel, if you put them in the market, you can get them back. I would go with Maxwell as a second choice. And also, maybe a player like Padikkal,” Lara told Cricket.com.
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The 52-year-old then explained why the swashbuckling batter AB de Villiers didn’t make his list citing the right-hand batter’s performance in IPL 2021 as he had only 313 runs to his name in 15 matches with a dismal UAE leg.
“Why would you want to retain AB de Villiers when he is not scoring runs and not getting any younger. You’re playing six weeks of cricket for the entire year and if you think he is going to be ready every time the IPL comes around, then do it but we have seen the situation with Chris Gayle at 42,” the former West Indies skipper Brian Lara said.
“And he plays leagues after leagues all the year and still he struggles This T20 cricket is not easy. This is the best league in the world, the IPL and players have been found wanting,” the ex-cricketer concluded.
With Virat Kohli stepping down as RCB skipper, it will be interesting to see who the Bangalore-based franchise appoints as the captain and it will be more exciting to see which players they decide to retain ahead of the mega auction ahead of IPL 2022.
(With Cricket.com Inputs)
