The Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) faces an intriguing prospect ahead of the IPL 2024 auction, and former cricketer Irfan Pathan has shed light on potential strategies and player acquisitions for the team.
Pathan highlighted the significance of Cameron Green’s arrival, identifying it as a key move to fortify RCB’s middle-order batting lineup. He hinted at the team’s interest in reacquiring Wanindu Hasaranga at a reduced price but suggested that if this proves challenging, RCB might consider targeting Afghan spinner Mujeeb Ur Rahman.
“If you look at their squad, with Cameron Green coming in, they have their biggest headache sorted. The middle muddle is sorted. They will have to sort out their bowling. If they can get Hasaranga back at a cheaper price, well and good,” Pathan said while speaking on Star Sports.
“If not, they can go for guys like Mujeeb. Mujeeb is a guy who can actually take the pitch away from the equation. He is basically a mystery bowler who can bowl with the new ball and he can be pretty handy in those sorts of tough conditions for bowlers,” Pathan added.
Despite Mujeeb’s absence in IPL 2023, Pathan acknowledged the spinner’s capability to unsettle batsmen and bring a different dimension to RCB’s bowling unit.
Pathan also speculated on potential signings, suggesting the possibility of Mitchell Starc returning to RCB. He attributed RCB’s interest in Starc to the left-arm pacer’s ability to excel at the unique conditions of Chinnaswamy Stadium.
Delving into RCB’s decision to release certain players, Pathan highlighted Vyshak Vijaykumar’s impressive performances in IPL 2023. He suggested that Vijaykumar’s skillful variations as a bowler might have influenced RCB’s choice to part ways with Harshal Patel.
With a remaining purse of ₹23.25 crore, RCB heads into the auction with plans to fill three overseas vacancies. Pathan anticipates Faf du Plessis, Glenn Maxwell, and Cameron Green to secure three of the four overseas spots in RCB’s starting lineup.
Despite having Reece Topley as a foreign seamer, Pathan suggested RCB might seek to bolster their bowling department, taking into account Topley’s injury history.
Pathan’s insights provide a glimpse into RCB’s potential strategies, emphasizing the team’s focus on reinforcing key areas and creating a competitive squad for IPL 2024.
