One of the key motivations for founding the IPL was to provide a platform for novice players to show themselves, and it has unquestionably accomplished that goal. Fans have seen the likes of Jasprit Bumrah, Hardik Pandya, and Arshdeep Singh dominate the league before making their international debuts. RCB has always been one of the clubs that has relied on big-name superstars.
However, their lack of success forced them to abandon that strategy, and they now concentrate on developing a strong core of great players rather than merely stars. After joining RCB, Harshal Patel, Padikkal, and Shahbaz Ahmed all earned their India debuts, while Patidar has remained on the outside looking in.
Even in the 2023 auction, they were able to get outstanding players such as Avinash Singh and Manoj Bhandage. However, given the budget they had and the conditions they had to meet, there were a few lost chances, which are highlighted below.
RCB should have sought three uncapped players in the IPL auction.
Number 1. Yash Thakur
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Yash Thakur has been one of the most consistent performers in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy over the previous several years, and he finally received his due this year when he was signed by LSG. He has previously participated in the league as a net bowler, but this will be his first spell as a regular participant.
The 24-year-old is a death-over expert for Vidarbha and can reach speeds of up to 140 kph. He is effective even with fresh balls and is the finest Indian T20 bowler without IPL experience.
He has 55 wickets in 37 T20 games at an average of less than 15 and a conceding average of less than 6.7. These are exceptional stats, and RCB might have taken a risk on him and invested in him as a long-term project. He was sold to LSG for 45 lakh, and they still had 1.75 crore in the bank.
Number 2. Sanvir Singh
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Sanvir Singh is a medium-pace bowling all-rounder who was signed by the Sunrisers for INR 20 Lakh. He barely bowls in the 120s and early 130s but has the ability to swing the new ball. His greatest asset is his hitting, and he has a reputation for being a power hitter, therefore it was unexpected that he only got a base price offer.
He scored 119 runs in 5 innings and had a strike rate of 205.17 in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2022. He is a classic finisher, with his major hitting zones in front of the wicket, and he seldom plays inventive strokes. The Punjab player also has a strong pull shot, which is essential for a finisher.
RCB did get a local finisher and pace-bowling all-rounder in Manoj Bhandage, but it wouldn’t have hurt them to sign another, especially because Sanvir was so cheap.
Number 3. Donovan Ferreira
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Donovan Ferreira has become an overnight sensation with his outstanding performance in the second game of the SA20. He hit 82*(40) to save Joburg Super Kings from a hazardous 27/4 position and demonstrated why he was purchased by Rajasthan Royals in the IPL auction. RCB spent Rs. 3.2 crore for Will Jacks, filling one of their two available international positions. While he is a terrific player and one of the finest young power hitters, as an opener, he is not a direct backup for Maxwell.
Maxwell is presently injured, and his participation in the first round of games is doubtful. Given that the top three are set, they may have to play Jacks out of position if he doesn’t recover. Ferreira would have suited RCB better in this circumstance since he is a great finisher and could have batted at six, enabling Lomror and Shahbaz to bat higher up.
After 28 T20s, he has an average of 44.78 and a strike rate of 15714. The South African may also bowl and serve as a keeper. He was the fifth most expensive purchase in the SA20 auction and drew a few offers at the IPL auction.
