RCB Class of 22: Who could form the lower middle-order for IPL 15?

A lot has already been discussed about the lower-middle order that RCB can most likely field in the upcoming IPL. Even though there are concerns and worries, yet with the names bagged in the auction, if the pieces can be put in the right place, it shouldn’t be too tough for the Challengers to crack the puzzle.

Let us take a quick look at the possible players who can constitute the lower middle-order for RCB as the fifteenth edition of the tournament approaches.

1.    Shahbaz Ahmed

Another low-order batter, Shahbaz can actually hammer a few massive hits towards the end. He is not really someone to hold back and expecting him to sustain an innings is madness. However, if you are looking forth for a few classic bullets to the ropes, Shahbaz is your man. Even though there have been questions about RCB’s depth in the middle-order, their batting extends by a fair bit, compensating for the same.

2.    Wanindu Hasaranga

Hasaranga is an ace spinner undoubtedly, but his inclusion to the squad also brings in an additional aspect of batting. He is a fine striker of the ball and can rack up quickfire knocks of 15-20 runs which allows the team to brew a storm as the innings draw to a close. He is a clean hitter and relies more on his connections than the mindless swinging of the willow. His T20 figures bear a fine 136.73 strike rate and an average of 17.94. He also has three half-centuries next to his name.

3.    Harshal Patel

Harshal can be responsible for countless shipwrecks of the opposition when it comes to bowling. However, he is also gifted with the ability to rack up some quick runs in the end that we have seen already. He can play a double role where he himself can take up the reins of smacking around the bowlers and also be the anchor if a recognized batter can continue the onslaught at the other end.

4.    Karn Sharma

Even though he isn’t an ideal hitter of the cherry, Karn Sharma can sustain an innings with some decent resilience. He has managed to rack up 317 runs at an average of 15.1 in the IPL. These figures flag the fact that he can be the anchor that any team looks forward to when they are trying to dig deep while the number of options is running low.

5.    Sherfane Rutherford

Rutherford’s recent blitzkrieg against Islamabad United salvaged a sinking ship for Peshawar Zalmi and posted a hardcore contention which eventually was chased down. However, the battery unleashed by Rutherford was overwhelming for the onlookers. He has consistency issues but with proper guidance, he can be a reliable pick for the number six position.

6.    David Willey

It has been a while since Willey has batted but he can be the perfect finisher for the Royal Challengers. It is important for any squad to produce a finisher that ensures the smoothest transition of the charge from the top-order to the tail-enders. Ideally, a rollicking start should be followed by a stable middle-order and an explosive finish. Willey has a strike rate of 140 with the bat and can conjure some colossal strikes towards the tail-end of an innings that will play an instrumental role in shifting gears for the Challengers, especially when they need to slog.