With less than a week to go for the Indian Premier League (IPL) auctions, franchises have now rolled on their sleeves to get their favourite target. Different dimensions of players will be taken into consideration while teams make their choice, specialist bowlers, batters, all-rounders, and many other factors will be taken into account to get the respective choices. Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) though will look for one more dimension and that dimension is the captaincy. While Virat Kohli quit the leader’s role at the end of last season, the muted conversation has suggested that Kohli could be back for the role. However, if that isn't the case here are the five potential candidates RCB will eye in the auctions as captaincy material.
Shreyas Iyer
At 27, Shreyas Iyer brings experience and maturity to the table which the RCB franchise will eye. His ability with the bat can't be questioned as he poses a proven track record in the IPL with 2375 runs in 87 matches for the Delhi Capitals (DC). He has been tipped by many to be a future captain and this could be a perfect opportunity for Shreyas to stamp his authority. If RCB get him, DC will certainly regret the decision, but signing Shreyas could empty RCB pocket big time as he won't come for cheap.
Jason Holder
At 6ft 7inch, not many will be competing with Jason Holder for his height, but at 23 he was also competing for the West Indies as captain. Holder's captaincy experience with the national side and ability to bat and bowl make him a perfect fit for the job. He is a reliable asset having starred in the Caribbean Premier League and several other leagues in the world, Holder will be someone whom the franchisees can rely on. His short stint in IPL reads 35 wickets in 26 IPL encounters. He previously represented Chennai Super Kings (CSK), Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH).
Eoin Morgan
World Cup-winning captain and a formidable presence in IPL has seen Eoin Morgan's stock rise high in recent years. Releases by KKR, Morgan led the Shahrukh Khan-owned franchise to playoffs during his tenure as captain. He took over the reins from Dinesh Karthik in the midway during the 2020 season before proving his worth. The ability to bat and showcase leadership qualities make him a good captaincy material; handling pressure, taking the right decisions at right time are some of the qualities RCB will forward to while raising the baton to make the bid. In 83 IPL games, Morgan has scored 1405 runs while he guided England to the semi-final of the T20 World Cup in UAE most recently.
Ishan Kishan
The RCB scouts won't be the only ones keeping tabs on Ishan Kishan, captain of the U-19 side in the 2016 World Cup the former Mumbai Indians player could be a surprise addition. Playing with the likes of Rohit Sharma, Kieron Pollard has seen Ishan gain plenty of experience and this could be the perfect opportunity to step up another level. He has gone on to establish himself in a star-steadied lineup of MI, while also knocking on the doors of Team India, it won't come as a surprise if Ishan goes and captains the RCB side. In 61 IPL matches he has 1452 runs at an average of 28.47, but his strike rate of 136 that could be a nightmare for opposition bowlers.
David Warner
A World Cup winner, IPL winner not many can pose a CV like David Warner. He led SRH to the glory in 2016 while the franchise made it to the playoffs in every season Warner led the team. A product of the New South Wales star academy, Warner first played in IPL in 2009 for Delhi and has been nothing short of a success story in the 13 seasons since. In 150 matches Warner has amazed 5449 runs with four hundreds and a strike rate of 140; he is certainly destined to attract some big franchises in the auctions.
