'I would be worried': AB de Villiers underscores major concern for RCB ahead of IPL 2024 auction

All the IPL teams have announced released and retained players ahead of the mini-auction of the 2024 edition. The most shocking releases were made by three-time finalists Royal Challengers Bangalore as they dropped Australian pacer Josh Hazlewood and Sri Lankan spinner Wanindu Hasaranga. Another most shocking decision was to release Harshal Patel who was the purple cap holder in IPL 2021. 

3 things you need to know 

• RCB have never won an IPL title despite having many star players in their squad
• The Faf du Plessis-led side now have a remaining purse of INR 23.25 crore
• RCB can add a total of six more players to their squad 

ALSO READ | Breaking: Rahul Dravid to continue as India Head Coach, BCCI retains key support staff

AB de Villiers shows concern over RCB's bowling lineup 

After RCB released all the main bowlers from their squad, former South Africa batsman AB de Villiers, who had a wonderful career for the franchise, has shown his concern over the team's bowling lineup. de Villiers while speaking on his YouTube channel stated that he is worried about the team's bowling attack as many of the released bowlers have won the franchise many games in the cash-rich league. de Villiers said: 

It is the area where I would be worried. Obviously, there is Mohammed Siraj there, Reece Topley, and some experience there, but if you see the released players list, they let go of Wanindu Hasaranga, Harshal Patel, and Josh Hazlewood. Those three have won them a lot of games in the last couple of seasons, especially Hazlewood; he had just this way of controlling that bowling lineup. 

Ab de Villiers further accepted the truth behind RCB's biggest weakness in IPL over the years. The former batter acknowledged that the bowling has been the team's biggest weakness and has also cost the franchise many games. de Villiers said: 

It has been a well-known fact that RCB's bowling has been an area of weakness over the years. Yes, the batters also made a mess at times, but you need to play as a team. You need to gel together and understand each other. More often than not, there has been this feeling of making silly mistakes, not getting the discipline right, and not doing the basics well under pressure. We know how difficult it is to bowl at the Chinnaswamy Stadium. 

ALSO READ | Will Hardik Pandya's inclusion work as advantage or disadvantage for Mumbai Indians in IPL 2024?

Will RCB lift IPL trophy in 2024? 

Although RCB possesses all the necessary resources to win an IPL championship, the team's patchy play has been the main cause of their title drought. With Virat Kohli, one of the greatest players of the modern era, on the team, they will be the favourites to win the trophy in 2024.