IPL 2021: Will the underachieving RCB finally taste victory?

The 'Strengths' of Royal Challengers Bangalore

Captain Kohli's return to form

Virat Kohli has been the most consistent performer for RCB since the beginning of IPL.

While this has certainly increased the dependency on him, his form is extremely important for the team's success.

After going through a slight slump during recent international fixtures, captain Kohli regained his lost touch during the T20I series against England, where he emerged as the player of the tournament.

His return to form in the format against a formidable side is definitely a positive sign for RCB.

At least on paper, RCB's batting line-up looks strong.

Last year's sensation Devdutt Padikkal is in red-hot form after his exploits in the recently-concluded Vijay Hazare trophy.

Emerging as the team's leading run-scorer in IPL 2020, the southpaw is set to reprise his role as an opener alongside Kohli.

Team veteran AB de Villiers has retired from international cricket, which keeps him active in the T20 league circuit for only 3-4 months.

However, the lack of match time didn't hamper his game at all in 2020 as he went on to score crucial knocks for the squad.

RCB fans will hope that he repeats that act once again.

Along with these usual contributors, options like Mohammed Azharuddeen, Finn Allen, Glenn Maxwell, Sachin Baby, and Daniel Christian gives RCB a chance to fill their batting line-up with attacking options and solidify their weak middle order.

The 'Weaknesses' of Royal Challengers Bangalore

No established names in the pace attack

When it comes to RCB's bowling department, the franchise has good spin options in the form of Yuzvendra Chahal, Washington Sundar, Adam Zampa and Maxwell.

But there are no well-established pacers in the team.

After the departure of Chris Morris, Dale Steyn, and Umesh Yadav, RCB is in dire need of in-form fast bowlers, especially the ones who can perform well during the dangerous death overs.

The first options for RCB are Mohammed Siraj and Navdeep Saini, who struggle in the shortest format of the game and tend to be expensive.

Kyle Jamieson, Bangalore's costliest buy at the recent auctions, lacks international experience in the format and may prove to be a high-priced gamble gone wrong if he is unable to bring his domestic success to the IPL stage.

Furthermore, RCB can choose between Christian, Daniel Sams and Kane Richardson - all medium-pace bowling options.

The 'Opportunities' for Royal Challengers Bangalore

The potential of domestic investments

RCB banked heavily on the players from the domestic circuit during the 2021 auctions.

If they are given ample opportunities, new additions like Sachin Baby, Rajat Patidar, Mohammed Azharudeen, Suyash Prabhudessai, and KS Bharat can emerge as the next stars of the IPL.

Since almost all of them are currently in reasonably good form, they can even take the pressure off of the lead players from time to time.

The 'Threats' that Royal Challengers Bangalore need to be wary of

The over-dependency on Kohli and de Villiers

Maxwell's poor run in IPL

Another major threat for RCB is their INR. 14.25 Crore acquisition - Glenn Maxwell.

The Australian is undoubtedly one of the best all-rounders in international cricket. However, in the last couple of years, he has failed to meet the expectations in the IPL.

Since he had a decent run in the 2021 Big Bash League, many IPL franchises placed their faith in him and started a bidding war for him.

Although RCB earned the right to field the player, they can't afford to have Maxwell misfire.

Even for the 32-year-old, his lucrative run in the IPL might just end if he fails for RCB in IPL 2021.