IPL Auction 2020: 3 overseas players who could be released by RCB

Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) remains one of the only 3 teams to not lift the Indian Premier League trophy since the tournament's inception in 2008. The franchise came rather close to lifting the coveted trophy thrice, losing the finals in 2009 (vs Deccan Chargers), 2011 (vs Chennai Super Kings) and in 2016 (vs Sunrisers Hyderabad). Despite much of the fan-fare and optimism around the team’s performance in the auction and the players’ in the build-up to the tournament, it is safe to say that RCB have rather failed to deliver on their promise more often than not.

Also Read: IPL Auction 2020: 3 Overseas Players Who Could Be Released By KKR

IPL Auction 2020: RCB set to rebuild again

Last season, RCB finished at the bottom of the table, just one point off the Sunrisers, who qualified for the playoffs. Despite the fine margins, RCB were never in contention to finish in the top 4 after losing their initial games of the season. The negatives outweighed the positives, resulting in yet another change in the backroom staff and yet another go at fixing the jigsaw in the IPL Auctions 2020. RCB have appointed the likes of Simon Katich and Mike Hesson as their coaches. With a bunch of overseas players up for grabs in the upcoming auction, RCB might want to look at three replacements at the auctions.

Also Read: Shakib Al Hasan Ban: 4 All-rounders Who Can Replace Shakib In IPL 2020

1. Heinrich Klassen

Matches: 3, Runs: 9, Highest Score: 6

Heinrich Klassen was roped in by RCB for the 2019 season. The season was nothing but a disappointment for the South African wicket-keeper batsman, who generally warmed the bench and failed to deliver in the limited chances he got. With the likes of Tom Banton, Brandon King, and Colin Ingram (if released by Delhi Capitals) available, Klassen seems to be a dispensable option for RCB ahead of the IPL Auction 2020.

2. Tim Southee

Matches: 3 Wickets: 1, Eco: 13.11

RCB will definitely look to add an overseas fast bowler to their rather toothless attack. Dale Steyn, who replaced Nathan Coulter-Nile, featuring in two games in which he picked up four wickets, before he ruled himself out of the competition. With Australian fast bowler Mitchell Starc and West Indies pacer Sheldon Cottrell all set to go under the hammer, RCB are likely to release Southee, who has failed to deliver for them ahead of the IPL Auction 2020.

Also Read: IPL Auction 2020: 5 Mumbai Players Who Could Get Big Contracts

3. Marcus Stoinis

Matches: 10, Runs: 211, Highest Score: 46*, Wickets: 2, Eco: 8.70

A lot was expected from Marcus Stoinis after he was traded in from Kings XI Punjab for Mandeep Singh ahead of the IPL 2019. Stoinis failed to make the most of the opportunities given to him, scoring 211 runs in the 10 games he played and picking up only a solitary wicket. New Zealand’s Jimmy Neesham and West Indian Jason Holder are also amongst prospective buys as all-rounders, which means Stoinis could potentially face the axe from RCB this time.

Also Read: IPL Auction 2020: The 4 Most Expensive Players In IPL Auction History