NEW YEAR, SAME RCB: UNPACKING ROYAL CHALLENGERS BENGALURU'S STRUGGLES IN IPL 2024

As another year of the IPL dawns, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) fans again find themselves in a disheartening predicament: their beloved team languishing at the bottom of the points table. Despite the annual surge of excitement and hope during preseason...

As another year of the IPL dawns, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) fans again find themselves in a disheartening predicament: their beloved team languishing at the bottom of the points table. Despite the annual surge of excitement and hope during pre-season, the narrative remains all too familiar for the devoted RCB faithful. The 2024 season has been particularly vexing, witnessing the team secure only one victory out of their first Seven matches, with even defeats suffered on their home turf—a perplexing scenario that baffles supporters and analysts alike. RCB, affectionately dubbed the home of the 'KGF' trio—comprising Kohli, Glenn Maxwell, and Faf du Plessis—has yet to witness the simultaneous brilliance of these star players. While Virat Kohli has undoubtedly shone as a standout performer, amassing over 300 runs, including a century, his brilliance has failed to translate into collective success as the team grapples to rediscover its winning form.

AUCTION FAILURES 

RCB's dismal performance in IPL 2024 can be partially attributed to their failures during the auction. The team had the opportunity to secure game-changing players like Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins, whose prowess in the bowling department could have provided the much-needed balance to the squad. However, instead of investing in proven performers, RCB made questionable choices, such as splurging ₹11 crore on Alzarri Joseph, who failed to live up to expectations, and opting for Yash Dayal, whose lack of experience was evident in crucial moments. These missteps in player selection depleted the team's resources and left them with a weakened bowling attack incapable of consistently challenging opposition batters, ultimately contributing to their downfall in the tournament.