With IPL 2018 auction to be coming in a week’s time, the fans and followers are eagerly waiting to know the combinations of their favorite teams. Earlier this month, during the IPL retention event, Royal Challengers Banglore (RCB) had opted to retain 3 players: Virat Kohli, AB de Villiers and Sarfraz Khan and now they can use only 2 right to match cards in the upcoming auctions.

RCB has always been appreciated by its fans for its extravagant and bold approach. They have usually gone with the plan of changing their batting with some of the biggest hitters in world cricket; this was reflected in the player retention process too.

Also read: RCB paid for Sarfraz's operation

While not many expected them to retain Sarfaraz over Gayle, KL Rahul and Chahal, that might actually be a smart move considering the fact that they will go to the auction with a bigger purse. They might use their RTM cards to get back KL Rahul and Chahal in their squad. Both of these players have done extremely well for the franchise and have been in good form in recent times as well.

RCB fans might be surprised not to see Chris Gayle’s name on the list but the fact that the age is not on his side and his diminishing form lately it is highly improbable that RCB will go for him this time. Players like Kedar Jadhav and Samuel Badree have an outside chance but it might be difficult to beat Rahul and Chahal.

Prediction for RTM cards – KL Rahul, Chahal

Now, here is the probable list of the players who could fit in as per RCB’s requirement to buy for in the auction of IPL 2018.

Mitchell Starc

Starc was part of the RCB franchise since 2014 but played only two tournaments for them. In 2014, he took 14 at 28.71 apiece, with an economy of 7.49, and in 2015 he claimed 20 wickets at 14.55 apiece with an economy of 6.76. RCB have always struggled to get their bowling combinations right. Starc could be the answer to that problem.

Yuvraj Singh

From the last two seasons, Yuvraj has been with the Hyderabad franchise and played some decent knocks as well and it seems that this time as well the team management will be looking forward to getting him back.

Kagiso Rabada

Rabada was signed by DD in last year’s auction and the pacer played in a few games before leaving to join South Africa for their ODI series against England. He has played 6 matches in IPL and has bagged 6 wickets. If the RCB team management is looking for a fast bowler to spearhead their bowling attack, Rabada is the best option for them.

Kuldeep Yadav

He has got 77 wickets in 70 IPL games and he is just the bowler RCB might want.  He runs fast, bowls fast and 8 out of 10 times, is bang on target. The fact that as a spinner, he has a bowling economy of 7.29 in IPL increases his importance as a potent T20 bowler. Even his chemistry with Chahal has been impeccable in Team India.

Also read: Sehwag urges RCB to use RTM on Chahal

Ben Cutting

Cutting was instrumental in Sunrisers’ title win in 2016, putting up a Man of the Match performance in the final. He is a handy batsman as well. He has picked up 7 wickets and has scored 124 runs in 9 matches with a strike rate of nearly 190. RCB should buy the player, as he is a lower order productive batsman too.