Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) released 11 players and were left with a purse of Rs 40.75 crore after the deadline for the final list of retained and released players expired. For the IPL 2024 auction, this provides them with a total of 40.75 crore.
Among the players that RCB let go were Wanindu Hasaranga, Josh Hazlewood, an Australian fast bowler, and Harshal Patel, an Indian pacer. Accordingly, RCB’s fast bowling contingent is severely lacking, particularly in players who could be able to combine with Mohammed Siraj. Among them are people like Akash Deep, Vijaykumar Vyshak, and Reece Topley, to mention a few.
However, in Bengaluru’s cramped stadium, RCB needs a couple of excellent pacers who can bowl well and assist Siraj with the new ball. We examine three pacers that RCB can seek in the IPL 2024 auction in light of this.
Three bowlers that RCB could sign in the IPL 2024 auction to back Mohammed Siraj are as follows:
1. Riley Meredith
Riley Meredith, an Australian, has impressed on the T20 circuit and even in the IPL by showcasing his fast bowling. He played for the Mumbai Indians in the 2023 Indian Premier League. During his IPL career, the Australian has claimed 19 wickets in 18 games, with a top average of 2/24 and an economy of 9.46.
Meredith has 107 wickets in 82 T20 outings with a top of 4/21, despite his apparent high price tag. In his five T20I matches for Australia, he took eight wickets, with the best score of 3/48. His extraordinary speed would be very beneficial to RCB because the Bengaluru pitch can accommodate players who reach speeds of above 145 kph.
2. Kamlesh Nagarkoti
The Kolkata Knight Riders selected Kamlesh Nagarkoti for the 2020 Indian Premier League, and he participated in ten games while claiming five wickets. He then had two consecutive stress fractures and stopped playing cricket altogether. The Delhi Capitals selected him after KKR released him, but he was hurt again, this time suffering a stress fracture to his lower back.
Since then, Nagarkoti hasn’t played in any games and the Capitals released him. He appears to be getting ready for the IPL in 2024 as he continues his conditioning and rehabilitation. If he stays healthy, Nagarkoti, who can reach speeds of up to 140 kph, would be a solid choice for the RCB to have as Siraj’s backup in the next campaign.
3. Shivam Mavi
The 25-year-old Shivam Mavi has taken seven wickets in six Twenty20 internationals for India. In 52 T20 matches, Mavi has 53 wickets at an average of 4/14. Mavi has taken 30 wickets in 32 IPL games, with an economy of 8.71 and a best of 4/21. He was acquired by Gujarat Titans for INR 6 crores during the IPL 2023 auction; however, the team released him when he was unable to perform in any games.
Recently, Mavi struggled with an injury that prevented him from competing at the Asian Games in Hangzhou. When Mavi is in peak physical condition, he can be a very effective bowler who can deliver scorching yorkers and also be quite useful with the bat.
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