The Indian Premier League franchise Royal Challengers Bangalore had shown some top-notch performance in the IPL phase 1. They stand third in the points table after Delhi Capitals and Chennai Super Kings with 10 points in their basket. With the IPL phase 2 commencing in the UAE from September, the Bangalore side will be eyeing to increase their footing in the standings.
In phase 2 of the IPL 2021, RCB will be missing out on some key players like Washington Sundar, Adam Zampa, and Kane Richardson. They got on board Wanindu Hasaranga and Tim David as replacements for the missing players.
To win some crucial points, these are the three players who could be crucial for RCB’s performance in phase 2 of IPL:
1. Virat Kohli
The RCB captain Virat Kohli has been and will be one of the most crucial players for RCB as they head closer to the second phase of IPL 2021. Virat Kohli became the first player to score 6000 runs in the IPL during their match against Rajasthan Royals in the first phase where they got a crucial 10-wicket victory. He scored his first half-century of the season, as he hit six fours and three sixes in his 47-ball 72-run stand. He had pretty decent form in phase 1 and would want to continue it to get their hands on the maiden IPL trophy.
2. AB De Villiers
AB De Villiers stands as the backbone of RCB’s top order. He had played a crucial role in getting the team over the finishing line in the first phase of the IPL 2021. His performance with the bat was brilliant which earned him a batting average of 51.75 in the first phase. He had slammed 207 runs at a strike rate of 164+ in seven matches besides completing 5000 runs in the IPL. His experience and sheer class with the bat will be crucial to the Bangalore franchise to help them dominate the opposition in phase 2.
3. Yuzvendra Chahal
Yuzvendra Chahal is the most crucial player in RCB’s bowling line-up. Though he has missed out on getting selected for India at the T20 World Cup, he will be looking to prove himself even more. Yuzi had taken four wickets during the first phase of IPL 2021 and had given a hard time to the opposition with his googlies. It is also important to note that he had taken a total of 21 wickets in the previous edition which was held in the UAE. The leg-spinner also stands as one of the most economical bowlers in the history of the T20 league.
RCB will be playing their first match of the second phase against Kolkata Knight Riders on 20th September at Abu Dhabi.