Although the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) will be entering the 13th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 as definite underdogs, the team can be termed as one of the most balanced squads. Virat Kohli and his men are engaged in intense training sessions in the UAE as they attempt to secure a much-awaited IPL title. RCB will play its first game against the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) on September 21.

Aaron Finch’s inclusion has boasted the RCB squad and he can b expected to play a crucial role, however, he has scored just 134 runs in IPL 2020 while playing for the Kings XI Punjab (KXIP). He seems to be in good nick in the ongoing limited-overs squad against England, and if he gets RCB off to good starts in IPL 2020, Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers will feel relieved.

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Devdutt Padikkal can be expected to open the innings with Finch as he has done everything possible in domestic cricket to make his IPL debut. His inclusion would mean that Parthiv Patel will be warming the bench. Two constants of the RCB team over many IPL seasons, captain Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers come in at No. 3 and No. 4 respectively.

While Virat has been looking his good touch, De Villiers can be expected to don the gloves for RCB in IPL 2020 as he has been practicing his wicket-keeping in the nets, and coach Katich has stated that the option of De Villiers behind the stumps is one that is being considered.

RCB have often lacked quality middle-order batsmen who can step up if Kohli and De Villiers fail, and Moeen Ali’s experience and skill might greatly help the franchise. The other spin-bowling all-rounder, Washington Sundar can also be expected to play as he has the prowess to bowl in the powerplay overs and this would also mean that star spinner Yuzvendra Chahal won’t need to be wasted with the new ball this IPL.

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However, Sundar can be expected to fight for the spot with Gurkeerat Singh, who is a better option with the bat in hand, but it is likely that RCB will opt for the youngster. As mentioned, Sundar will probably bat lower than No. 6, and the man who is likely to occupy the role is Shivam Dube. The all-rounder has flattered to deceive so far, but IPL 2020 can be teh best platform for him to prove his mettle.

New signing Chris Morris can also be expected to play in the RCB’s playing XI in IPL 2020 as he can solve RCB’s death bowling woes, and he offers something with the bat in hand as well. Morris will be fighting for his spot with Dale Steyn and Adam Zampa due to his all-round prowess. Zampa can be expected to make the cut citing his performances in the ongoing series in England and the bowling conditions in UAE will also favor him.

Indian spearhead Umesh Yadav will be leading RCB’s pacer attack in IPL 2020 as he has been known for aggression and swing with the new ball. the young Navdeep Saini is likely to partner Yadav in the RCB pace attack for IPL 2020 as he probably has the best yorker among the RCB bowlers and his pace, along with his ability to bowl at the death, make him an underdog who can come out all guns blazing. He is expected to play ahead of Mohammed Siraj, who has been expensive in the IPL.

RCB’s Predicted Playing XI for IPL 2020:

Aaron Finch, Devdutt Padikkal, Virat Kohli (c), AB de Villiers (wk), Moeen Ali, Shivam Dube/ Gurkeerat Mann, Washington Sundar, Adam Zampa, Umesh Yadav, Navdeep Saini, Yuzvendra Chahal