Former Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) batter AB de Villiers said that the franchise is missing an X-factor spinner like Rashid Khan in its Indian Premier League 2024 squad. As per De Villiers, RCB have strengthened their pace-bowling attack with the addition of Alzarri Joseph and Lockie Ferguson, but the spin attack remains thin. Moreover, RCB released leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal before the IPL 2022 mega auction and Wanindu Hasaranga ahead of the 2024 auction as well.

In a Q&A session on his YouTube channel, De Villiers said: “One or two incredible spinners; X-factor spinners. I think of guys like Kuldeep Yadav. We need an X-factor spinner like Rashid Khan perhaps. We got rid of Yuzi Chahal not long ago. We missed him over the last few years, and I think that’s still the missing link. They also let go Hasaranga. I don’t know what the plans are there.”

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The veteran also said that RCB should have tried harder for quality spinners at the auction as well. While many fans have questioned West Indies pace bowler Joseph’s purchase for ₹11.5 crore, AB de Villiers backed them.

“The spin department, I don’t think is strong enough. They could have done a little bit better.”But, I think they added to the seam bowling, which has been the area that has let us down at the Chinnaswamy Stadium in the past. I do think Alzarri Joseph justifies that decision.
(Joseph) Very good buy for ₹11.5 crore; I think it was a fair price. Yash Dayal also very good for ₹5 crore. Lockie Ferguson was a very good late pick up. I thought RCB was having a fairly average auction up until Ferguson and Tom Curran buys, where they got a lot of experience for not a lot of money. We all know Ferguson can bowl 150 kph. That’s exactly what you need at the Chinnaswamy Stadium,” AB de Villiers concluded.