Royal Challengers Bangalore's strongest playing XI for IPL 2021

By V. Chhabria Updated: Feb 27, 2021, 17:43 IST
Royal Challengers Bangalore's strongest playing XI for IPL 2021

The Royal Challengers Bangalore finished fourth in the previous season of the Indian Premier League. The Bangalore-based franchise will be keen to end its title drought in the year 2021. They have made some huge signings at this year’s auction to bolster their chances of winning the tournament. 

Virat Kohli will lead the team, while AB de Villiers will support him. Last year’s top performers Devdutt Padikkal and Yuzvendra Chahal have retained their spots. Surprisingly, the Royal Challengers released Chris Morris before the auction. They have roped in three all-rounders to fill that gap now. 

In this article, we will have a look at the strongest playing XI for RCB in IPL 2021. 

Openers - Devdutt Padikkal and Mohammed Azharuddeen (wk)


Devdutt Padikkal had an excellent debut season in the United Arab Emirates last year. The left-handed opener outshone his experienced opening partner Aaron Finch. Last year, Padikkal got multiple opening partners in the same season. 

However, that trend might change this year because the Royal Challengers Bangalore have signed Mohammed Azharuddeen from Kerala. The Kerala opener smacked a fantastic ton against the Mumbai cricket team at the Wankhede Stadium in Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. He could form a top-quality opening pair with Devdutt Padikkal. He can also keep the wickets for RCB. 

Middle Order - Virat Kohli (C), AB de Villiers, and Glenn Maxwell 


Skipper Virat Kohli has enough backup in the middle order this year as along with AB de Villiers, he has the support of Glenn Maxwell. Virat had a decent outing in IPL 2020, but the RCB skipper will look forward to performing better in IPL 2021. 

AB de Villiers has also been a sensational player for the Royal Challengers Bangalore. The fans have rarely seen him out of form while donning the red, black, and gold colors. Glenn Maxwell had a forgettable season in the UAE last year. However, he can be backed to do well in IPL 2021 because he returned to form against India. 

All-rounders - Daniel Christian, Washington Sundar, and Kyle Jamieson 


While even Glenn Maxwell is an all-rounder, it is unlikely RCB will give him four overs in every match. The trio of Daniel Christian, Washington Sundar, and Kyle Jamieson will likely bowl their full quota and also play the finisher’s role for the Royal Challengers.

Christian was in top form during the 2021 Big Bash League. Sundar has done well for Team India in Tests. Meanwhile, Jamieson can hit the ball hard in the slog overs. Thus, RCB have a terrific trio in their all-rounders’ section. 

Bowlers - Navdeep Saini, Mohammed Siraj, and Yuzvendra Chahal 


Although they have let go of Umesh Yadav, RCB still has a strong fast-bowling attack. Navdeep Saini and Mohammed Siraj have much experience of playing in Indian conditions. Kane Richardson will be the back-up option for RCB. 

Similarly, Yuzvendra Chahal will be the preferred leg-spinner for RCB. Adam Zampa could play with Chahal on turning tracks or if any other overseas slot is available in the playing XI for him. 

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