IPL 2021 Auction: Three cricketers Royal Challengers Bangalore are likely to release

Royal Challengers Bangalore entered IPL 2020 with one of the most versatile bowling units in the history of IPL. However, they settled with 4th place in the end as they lost the steam in the second half. One of the major factors which went against them last season was their approach with the bat which was influenced by thin middle-order options. They could come up with a major revamp to their squad with respect to batting options in the domestic circuit. Here are the three players whom Royal Challengers Bangalore might release from contract ahead of the 2021 auction:

Dale Steyn:

Dale Steyn announced his unavailability for RCB during the IPL 2021 but the Bangalore franchise have the right to decide on the contract with the South African pacer. Steyn, who would be turning 38 late this June, might not be anywhere close to his prime with the ball during IPL 2022. Hence, it will be ideal for RCB to leave out the veteran pacer instead of blocking an overseas spot.

Pawan Negi:

Pawan Negi was a regular feature for RCB in the IPL 2020 as a substitute fielder but ahead of the 2021 edition, he might not find a place in the squad either. Negi hasn’t been able to replicate his success at the T20 format of late and has been serving a poor run in the ongoing Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 Trophy. With the likes of Yuzvendra Chahal, Washington Sundar, Shahbaz Ahmed and Adam Zampa in the squad, the RCB management might aim to rope in a young all-rounder who could fill the same role.

Aaron Finch:

The limited-overs captain of Australia, Aaron Finch failed to get going when he turned up for RCB in IPL 2020. Finch’s poor show with the bat in the IPL is one of the reasons why he had to play for 8 different franchises. Though RCB got Finch for Rs 1 crore, he could be left out by them and save an overseas spot in the squad. Finch has been pretty poor in the ongoing BBL which could also play a role in his exclusion.