With a good mix of pace and spin, Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) have been able to reach the play-offs in the last three seasons (2020-2022). The franchise has always been well-equipped with star-studded cricketers from across the world. However, the side has been unable to taste ultimate glory despite reaching the summit clash.

RCB acquired the services of Will Jacks, Reece Topley, and Jammu & Kashmir’s Avinash Singh at the mini-auction in December 2022. Will Jacks was to play as cover for star all-rounder Glenn Maxwell, however, his injury has handed the franchise a major blow for the season.

That said, Bangalore immediately roped in New Zealand allrounder Michael Bracewell, who has been in decent form for the national side lately and will look to replicate it in the IPL 2023. Speaking about the pace department, Harshal Patel and Mohammed Siraj are the only two bowlers with vast experience. 

It is part of the reason why they have been fairly impactful in the previous seasons. However, the franchise requires their other Indian bowlers to fire despite being thin on experience. 

Australia pacer Josh Hazlewood is ruled out as he is recovering from Achilles tendonitis therefore left-arm seamer Reece Topley will look to play an integral role. 

Moving on to the batting aspect of things, RCB require a batter who can fire from the word ‘go’. Since losing Chris Gayle in 2018, Bangalore have lacked a genuine explosive hitter in the top-order. Both Virat Kohli and Faf du Plessis take time to settle and get into their elements. 

However, both Kohli and the skipper of the side are currently in fine form with the bat and can add big runs once settled. Rajat Patidar played an integral role in the previous edition and will look score big down the order. Maxwell returned from injury but it remains to be seen if the star all-rounder can swiftly hit the ground running for the side. 

All in all, RCB will look to make maximum use of the home advantage considering that six of their seven home games are scheduled to be played in April. Furthermore, the smaller dimensions of the ground can be of help to the batters but while fielding the team will need to be on its toes due to the lightning quick outfield. Faf and Co. host Mumbai Indians on Sunday, April 2 at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bangalore to kick-start their IPL 2023 campaign.