Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) have always had some big names in the IPL squad but yet have failed to win an IPL title so far. RCB's tendency to depend only on a few players has often come to haunt them during some of their IPL campaigns. This is indeed one of the primary reasons for their failure in the last 14 years of the IPL.
However, IPL 2021 was different for RCB as the Kohli-led side began their campaign with four straight wins before the tournament was suspended due to the pandemic. It was a complete effort from the ‘Men in Red' with some of their lesser-known players raising their game to deliver at crunch moments. The team didn't rely on a few players when put under pressure but were rather helped by a different individual on each occasion.
Indian Premier League (IPL) is likely to have a mega auction in 2022. Like all other teams, Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) would also be consulting about the team combination which they need to have ahead of the auction. The RCB think-tank will have to strategize regarding the players whom they can retain ahead of the IPL 2022 auction.
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Here's a look at 3 players who might be retained by RCB ahead of the 2022 IPL mega auction:
1. Virat Kohli
Virat Kohli is the only player in IPL history who has played for the same franchise in his entire IPL career. In all likelihood, he will continue to hold that distinction among all IPL players as RCB will surely retain their skipper in IPL 2022. Kohli is the highest run-scorer in the IPL and has been a constant performer for RCB over the years.
Despite going through a lean patch as per his standards, Kohli's current form shouldn't bother RCB's decision of whether or not to retain the 32-year old ahead of the next mega auction. In IPL 2021, Kohli didn’t make much impact with the bat but was outstanding as a captain. The way he led the team was one of the main reasons why RCB was ranked among the top-4 in the IPL points table.
2. AB De Villiers
AB de Villiers has retired from international cricket but the Mr.360, as he's often called, has been on fire each IPL season for RCB. He had an impressive IPL 2021 and played a match-winning knock in a couple of matches. He has been a key player for the franchise over the years and never fails to contribute to the team’s success. He is one of the best fielders in the world and had added to the team's balance by keeping wickets in the last two seasons.
De Villiers has played some magnificent IPL innings for RCB over the years. At 37, De Villiers is still going strong and is one of the best T20 finishers going around in the world. With some of his outrageous shots, the South African player has had most experts struggling to decipher his technique and shot-making. AB De Villiers will surely be the next on the list of players retained by RCB in IPL 2022.
3. Devudutt Paddikal
The young sensation and the local boy Devdutt Padikkal have been a huge addition to Royal Challengers Bangalore. His exploits in the domestic circuit earned him a place in the RCB squad for the IPL 2020. He didn’t disappoint the RCB management as he ended up as the highest run-scorer with 473 runs for them in that season. Padikkal provided some significant starts to RCB and played a key role to help them reach the playoffs.
He continued his merry run in IPL 2021 as he scored a magnificent ton against Rajasthan Royals. In IPL 2021, he scored 195 runs in six outings with a strike rate of 152 and silenced his critics for failing to accelerate his innings. It might come in as a surprise but Devdutt Paddikal could be one of the players retained by RCB in IPL 2022.
