South African legend AB de Villiers doesn’t seem satisfied with the Royal Challengers Bangalore’s squad for the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL). After the mini-auction for the 2024 edition was wrapped up on December 19 in Dubai, the former Proteas batter hosted a Q&A session on his YouTube channel where he gave his opinion about the new-look RCB squad.
According to De Villiers, the Bangalore-based franchise has managed to rope in some excellent fast bowlers but might feel the absence of a quality spinner during the campaign. Before going into the mini-auction, RCB decided to part ways with Wanindu Hasaranga.
The Sri Lankan all-rounder featured at the auction, with Sunrisers Hyderabad getting him on board at his base price of Rs 1.5 crore. RCB might have thought to replace him with another spinner of the same calibre but failed to do so. Before Hasaranga, they also released Indian spinner Yuzvendra Chahal ahead of the 2022 mega auction.
De Villers reckons those decisions might prove crucial for RCB. He feels the Faf du Plessis-led side would need the services of X-factor spinners, who could singlehandedly change the course of the game on Indian surfaces. Revealing his choice, De Villiers mentioned the names of Kuldeep Yadav and Rashid Khan, two of the most talented spinners of recent times.
“One or two incredible spinners; X-factor spinners. I think of guys like Kuldeep Yadav. I do think we miss the mystery X-factor spinner that gets you four or five wickets like Rashid Khan. We got rid of Yuzi 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 of Hasaranga after last season. I don’t know what the plans are there,” the 39-year-old explained.
De Villiers, however, showed a thumbs-up to the signing of Alzarri Joseph at the recently concluded mini-auction, saying, “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.”
Joseph was the top buy for RCB, who shelled out Rs 11.5 crore to acquire the Caribbean speedster.
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