The Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) have long been a team associated with star power but have often struggled to win the Indian Premier League (IPL) trophy. Amid this journey, one player who has shown significant growth and become a key component of the bowling attack is Mohammed Siraj.
Another bowler, Akash Deep who is part of RCB now has not played much for the team but he has shown some caliber at the international level, especially in Test cricket and RCB can look out for him for next season. In this article, we will analyze the current performance of both bowlers and see whom RCB can keep for next season.
Siraj’s tally of 15 wickets from 14 matches in IPL 2024 highlights his importance to RCB’s bowling attack. Even though he didn’t pick up any four- or five-wicket hauls, he was a steady presence throughout the tournament. His best bowling performance of 3/43 shows his capability of taking crucial wickets in crunch moments. While his average of 33.06 and a strike rate of 21.6 may not look extraordinary, they are competitive in a high-scoring T20 format.
T20 cricket is about creating pressure, and Siraj’s ability to chip away with crucial wickets keeps RCB in contention. Whether with the new ball or during middle overs, Siraj has evolved into a reliable bowler who can break partnerships.
Ability to Bowl in Powerplay and Death Overs
One of Siraj’s greatest strengths is his ability to bowl effectively in both the powerplay and death overs, the two most critical phases in T20 cricket. While his economy rate of 9.18 in IPL 2024 may seem slightly on the higher side, this must be viewed in the context of the modern T20 game, where batters are more aggressive than ever. Bowling in high-pressure situations—such as the powerplay, where fielding restrictions make it harder to contain runs, or the death overs, where batters look to capitalize on every ball—requires skill and composure, and Siraj brings both to the table.
During the powerplay, Siraj’s ability to swing the ball early on gives RCB an attacking option upfront. His role in creating early breakthroughs prevents the opposition from setting a strong platform. At the death, while his economy may be tested, his ability to mix up lengths and deliver yorkers under pressure has made him a go-to bowler in the closing stages of the innings.
Siraj hails from Hyderabad but has become synonymous with RCB, having been part of the franchise for several seasons. His loyalty to the team and his understanding of the home ground conditions at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium make him a valuable asset. RCB fans have seen Siraj grow within the team, and he has become a fan favorite due to his passionate performances on the field.
Akash Deep Performance for Royal Challengers Bangalore
Akash Deep, the budding pacer of team India has not played very much for RCB but his recent performance for India in Test Cricket has been very impressive.
While his international exposure in Test cricket for India has been limited, his bowling figures suggest significant promise. With 8 wickets in 3 Test matches at an impressive bowling average of 23.12, Akash Deep has shown glimpses of his ability to perform at the highest level. Here’s why RCB should retain him for IPL 2025.
In his brief stint in Test cricket, Akash Deep has taken 8 wickets in 3 matches, with a best bowling performance of 3/83. A bowling average of 23.12 is quite remarkable, especially when compared to global averages in Test cricket. While Test and T20 cricket differ in format, his ability to maintain a low bowling average suggests he has the skill set required to adapt and succeed in different formats.
For a fast bowler, adaptability is key, and Akash Deep’s consistent performances with the red ball indicate that he has the potential to thrive in the high-pressure T20 environment of the IPL. His ability to hit the right lengths and extract bounce from the pitch makes him a valuable addition to any T20 bowling attack. RCB could further develop his raw talent, turning him into a potent weapon in their bowling arsenal.
