Former Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) stalwart AB de Villiers believes that the franchise is lacking a game-changing spinner with the caliber of Rashid Khan in their lineup for the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 season. Despite bolstering their pace-bowling arsenal with the acquisitions of Alzarri Joseph and Lockie Ferguson, AB de Villiers highlights a noticeable gap in the spin department.
AB de Villiers highlighted the significance of having a spinner with an “X-factor” like Rashid Khan, pointing out that a quality spinner adds a crucial dimension to the team’s overall balance. It’s noteworthy that RCB opted to part ways with leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal before the IPL 2022 mega auction and subsequently released Wanindu Hasaranga ahead of the 2024 auction. Despite their efforts at the mini-auction in Dubai, RCB failed to secure a prominent spinner and instead focused on reinforcing their fast-bowling options.
We need an X factor spinner like Rashid Khan- AB de Villiers
During a question and answer session on his YouTube channel, De Villiers addressed the absent element in the RCB lineup for the IPL 2024 season.
“One or two incredible spinners; X-factor spinners. I think of guys like Kuldeep Yadav. We need an X-factor spinner like Rashid Khan perhaps. We got rid of Yuzvendra Chahal not long ago. We missed him over the last few years, and I think that’s still the missing link. They also let go Hasaranga. I don’t know what the plans are there,” said AB de Villiers.
It has been the area that has let us down at the Chinnaswamy Stadium- AB de Villiers on RCB’s Pace Roster
Expressing his views, the 39-year-old suggested that RCB could have been more decisive in acquiring top-tier spinners during the auction. However, he did acknowledge that the franchise made commendable acquisitions in strengthening their fast-bowling resources.
“The spin department, I don’t think is strong enough. They could have done a little bit better. But, I think they added to the seam bowling, which has been the area that has let us down at the Chinnaswamy Stadium in the past. I do think Alzarri Joseph justifies that decision,” said AB de Villiers.
In addition to the signings of Alzarri Joseph and Lockie Ferguson, RCB made further purchases during the IPL 2024 auction, adding Yash Dayal, Tom Curran, Saurav Chuahan, and Swapnil Singh to their squad.
I think it was a fair price- AB de Villiers on getting Alzarri Joseph for ₹11.5 crores
Despite doubts from critics and fans regarding the ₹11.5 crore investment in West Indies pacer Joseph, De Villiers feels that RCB did not exceed reasonable spending on him.
Commenting on the buys made by the Bangalore franchise during the IPL 2024 auction, AB de Villiers expressed his thoughts, stating:
“( Alzarri Joseph) Very good buy for ₹11.5 crore; I think it was a fair price. Yash Dayal is also very good for ₹5 crore. Lockie Ferguson was a very good late pick-up,”
“I thought RCB was having a fairly average auction up until Ferguson and Tom Curran buys, where they got a lot of experience for not a lot of money. We all know Ferguson can bowl 150 kph. That’s exactly what you need at the Chinnaswamy Stadium,” he added.
In the IPL 2023 season, RCB finished their campaign in the sixth position, securing victories in seven matches while facing defeat in an equal number of their 14 league games.
Also Read: IPL 2024: “SRH Can Win The IPL In 2024”- AB De Villiers Makes A Bold Statement