KEY STORY
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Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) boast one of the most formidable batting line-ups in the Indian Premier League (IPL).
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While they have skipper Virat Kohli and the talented Devdutt Padikkal on top, the presence of Glenn Maxwell and AB de Villiers in the middle-order makes RCB a daunting opposition to face for any bowling line-up.
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Both De Villiers and Maxwell are known for their attacking style of batting and possess the ability to single-handedly destroy the best of bowling attacks on their day.
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RCB’s middle-order has been strengthened further ahead of the resumption of IPL 2021 in UAE with the addition of batsman Tim David.
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RCB head coach Mike Hesson believes David is a power player and can be a direct replacement for the likes of De Villiers and Maxwell in the squad when required. Australian batsman David, who plays for Singapore, has so far scored 558 runs in 15 T20Is at an impressive strike rate of 158.42. He also has 1186 runs to his name in 50 T20 matches at 155.84 including six half-centuries.
“With Finn Allen leaving, we have decided to strengthen our middle-order possibilities, in terms of options, so Tim David has joined our squad. He is currently part of the Southern Brave [at the Hundred], he has been performing for Surrey and also Hobart Hurricanes in recent times – a power player. He could become a direct swap for either [Glenn] Maxwell or AB de Villiers if required, also gives us other options throughout the order,” said Hesson.
CONCLUSION
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RCB made a brilliant start to the new season as they won five out of their first seven matches in the first phase of the tournament in India earlier this year.
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The Kohli-led side will be looking to secure a few more wins and book a spot in the top four for the second straight season in the UAE this year. With the additions of the new players, RCB have become one of the favourites for the title this year.
