Strongest playing XI for Bangalore: Can change in captaincy bring change in fortune?

Despite all the hype and frenzy, Bangalore are yet to win their maiden title. Yet, they were absolutely superb in the recently concluded mega auction. They managed to purchase several top-class players. Thus, their playing XI for the upcoming edition looks really strong on paper. Today, we shall be taking a look at the strongest XI of Bangalore for the fifteenth edition of the Indian T20 League.

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1) Openers- Virat Kohli, Faf du Plessis (C)

Bangalore have arguably two of the most consistent T20 batters at the top of the order. As Bangalore acquired the services of Faf du Plessis for INR 7 crore, he is expected to form a formidable opening combination with the 33-year-old. Besides, the Proteas batter is most likely to lead the franchise this time around.

2) Middle-order- Mahipal Lomror, Glenn Maxwell

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After having a sensational season in 2021, Glenn Maxwell is all set to represent Bangalore once again. In the absence of AB de Villiers, a lot will depend on the Aussie during the death overs of the game. Accompanying him in the middle-order will be Mahipal Lomror, who showed glimpses of his potential during the previous edition. Like Maxwell, he too is a superb player of spin. Thus, both of them can score a lot of runs during the middle overs.

3) All-rounders and Wicket-keeper- Shahbaz Ahmed, Dinesh Karthik (WK) and Wanindu Hasaranga

Bangalore's lower-middle order consists of two all-rounders and a keeper-batter. As Ahmed had a few noteworthy performances in the previous edition, the Bangalore management has shown faith in him, and have got him in the side once again. On the other hand, Dinesh Karthik is back to the position where he has done well. Having the keeper-batter as a finisher can prove to be a masterstroke. Further on, Hasaranga will be expected to put up some good performances with the bat as well. However, his primary job will be to bowl well.

4) Bowlers- Harshal Patel, Karn Sharma, Josh Hazlewood and Mohammed Siraj

Contrary to the last few editions, Bangalore have a superb bowling attack this time around. When it comes to their pace attack, they have all their bases covered. Josh Hazlewood and Mohammed Siraj can bowl with the new ball, as well as at the death. Harshal Patel, however, is their death over specialist and is expected to repeat his 2021 heroics. As for Karn Sharma, the leggie will be given the task to bowl in the middle overs.