IPL 2024 : SWOT Analysis of Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) squad

Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) are considered one of the most popular teams in the IPL. They have been three-time runners-up in the Indian Premier League (IPL). RCB did a reasonable job from IPL 2020 to 2022, reaching the playoffs in three successive seasons. Last season, RCB missed out, finishing sixth. 

Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) have finalized their squad for the 2024 season, picking up the required players in the mini-auction held in Dubai. They entered the auction with a purse value of Rs 23.25 crore, aiming to strengthen their bowling line-up. They picked up six players after spending INR 20.40 crore

As the IPL 2024 draws near, the stage is set for a riveting display of cricketing skills and passion. For RCB, the upcoming season presents an opportunity to rewrite the narrative, to go past setbacks and seize glory on cricket’s grandest stage. 

Here's a SWOT analysis of Royal Challengers Bangalore squad ahead of IPL 2024

Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) Strengths

Royal Challengers Bangalore’s batting has always been their biggest strength. RCB head into the IPL 2024 with a solid batting order. They  have star batters like Virat Kohli, Faf du Plessis, and Glenn Maxwell in their team. They have one of the best opening combinations in IPL 2024 with captain du Plessis getting the innings started with Virat Kohli.

With the recent addition of Cameron Green, RCB’s top order brims with potential firepower. Additionally, the presence of Rajat Patidar adds depth and versatility to their batting arsenal, further bolstering their offensive capabilities. RCB has one of the most dangerous batting units in IPL 2024. 

Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) Weaknesses

As strong as RCB's batting unit is, their bowling department is considered weak. The team’s bowling lineup appears vulnerable. They did not strengthen their bowling attack at all, as they bought Alzarri Joseph, Yash Dayal, Lockie Ferguson and Tom Curran. While all pacers are good, they have a tendency to leak runs in the shortest form of the game.

The team has concerns in the spin department too with no quality spinner. They released Wanindu Hasaranga from the squad and didn’t pick any International leggie. RCB has a pretty ordinary spin attack with Karn Sharma being the only recognized spinner in the line-up.

RCB have Dinesh Karthik and Anuj Rawat in the wicketkeeping role. Both struggled to be among the runs in the previous season but the RCB team management has shown faith in them for the upcoming competition. In case, both these players fail to be among the runs in the upcoming season, Bangalore’s performance will be affected.

Overall, RCB lacks the desired balance in the squad. They are too pace heavy and lack bite in both depth in batting and spin-bowling.

Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) Opportunities

Cameron Green was roped in from Mumbai Indians (MI) for a whopping price ahead of the auction. The Aussie all-rounder needs to prove his mettle by contributing to both departments. He has the opportunity to help RCB win their maiden title and be a part of the franchise for years to come. 

For out-of-form players such as Karthik and Ferguson, the 2024 IPL season will be an opportunity to save their IPL careers. Whereas RCB’s new pace bowling crop of Lockie Ferguson and Alzarri Joseph, along with Mohammed Siraj and Reece Topley, can prove to be lethal. 

Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) Threats

Every season, Royal Challengers Bangalore come into the tournament as one of the favorite sides to win the trophy but end up the tournament on a disappointing note. Several RCB fans argued that their team got rid of quality players such as Hasaranga, Harshal, and Hazlewood but failed to fetch quality bowlers in the 2024 auction.

On the other hand, RCB's decision to retain Dinesh Karthik was a bit of a surprise given the veteran's poor performance last season. It also shows the team's lack of batting depth as they don't have a reliable player in the lower-middle order after the top 5.

Royal Challengers Bangalore full squad for IPL 2024

Faf du Plessis(captain), Glenn Maxwell, Virat Kohli, Cameron Green, Rajat Patidar, Anuj Rawat, Dinesh Karthik, Suyash Prabhudessai, Will Jacks, Mahipal Lomror, Karn Sharma, Manoj Bhandage, Mayank Dagar, Vyshak Vijaykumar, Akash Deep, Mohammed Siraj, Reece Topley, Himanshu Sharma, Rajan Kumar, Alzarri Joseph, Yash Dayal, Tom Curran, Lockie Ferguson, and Swapnil Singh.

The 17th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL 2024) will commence on the 22nd of March, 2024. Royal Challengers Bangalore will take on Chennai Super Kings in the season opener on March 22 at MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.

Cover Credit - RCB Official