IPL 2022: RCB to chose captain today. Likely contenders

The Royal Challengers Bangalore will announce their captain for IPL 2022 at 3:45 PM on Saturday.

Here is a look at the likely contenders:

1) Glenn Maxwell: 

In Glenn Maxwell, Royal Challengers Bangalore found a middle-order mainstay last season. The Australian batsman, who also bowls part-time off-spin, finished IPL 2021 with 513 runs from 15 matches. He was retained by the side, along with Virat Kohli and Mohammed Siraj, for Rs 11 crore. 

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While Maxwell justified his selection last year, he could add value to his resume with a successful captaincy stint, especially when RCB is looking to win their first IPL title. He has led the Melbourne Stars in the Big Bash League (BBL). However, the Stars despite being one of the best franchises are yet to win a title.

2) Faf du Plessis:

Faf du Plessis is the strongest contender for the captaincy post. The Royal Challengers Bangalore spent Rs 7 crore to rope the South African, who has also led the national side in an ICC event. 

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Du Plessis was a key cog in Chennai Super Kings’ title wins in 2018 and 2021. He scored 449 and 633 runs in the two seasons respectively. Along with the batting prowess, the Protea’s leadership qualities and ability to read the game helps his case. 

3) Dinesh Karthik: Roped in for Rs 5.50 crore in the mega-auction, Dinesh Karthik brings a two-year captaincy experience to the Royal Challengers Bangalore camp. The wicket-keeper batsman stepped down as the Kolkata Knight Riders skipper in 2020 and was replaced by England’s Eoin Morgan. 

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For RCB, who have very limited captain choices, the 36-year-old can be a choice that can last for a couple seasons. He will also be expected to play the role of a finisher. 

Under Dinesh Karthik’s leadership, KKR reached the playoffs in 2018 and missed the second stage in 2019 due to lesser net run rate.