Finished 2nd last in IPL 2008 and won only 4 matches. Dravid was paid more than a million to be the teams icon player in 2008. Bookies rate them at 8-1 to finsih second last. Yet, with Kevin Pietersen for part of the season, and so many players accustomed to the conditions, as well as a South African Coach, the Royal Challangers Bangalore could be the surprise package of IPL 2009. Don't overlook the young New Zealand sensation, Jesse Ryder.
Key Players: Kevin Pieterson, Rahul Dravid, Uthappa, Boucher, Kallis, Steyn
One To Watch: Jesse Ryder
One To Watch: Jesse Ryder
Ins and Outs: Zaheer Khan was swapped with Robbin Uthappa of Mumbai Indians and Pankaj Singh was aquired from Rajasthan Royals. IPLs most expensive player, Kevin Pietersen was added for $1.55m and New Zealander Jesse Ryder was snapped up for $160,000.
Batsmen
Kevin Pietersen (Captain) England international attacking right handed switch hitter. Averages 46 in ODIs and the most expensive player in IPL who could be more expensive if he calls himself up to bowl some spin as he did when England captain. Will miss games due to England committments.
Rahul Dravid Icon player and should share the captaincy with Pietersen. Right hander averaging 39 with the bat in ODI, and at 36 has been around long enough to accumulate in excess of 10,000 test runs. Keep an eye on him with the ball when not bowling.Kevin Pietersen (Captain) England international attacking right handed switch hitter. Averages 46 in ODIs and the most expensive player in IPL who could be more expensive if he calls himself up to bowl some spin as he did when England captain. Will miss games due to England committments.
Robin Uthappa Right handed batter who made the highest score of any Indian debutant (86) in his first ODI. Averages 42 with the bat, and 27 with his usual medium pace in ODI.
Ross Taylor Useful New Zealand right handed bat averaging 38 in ODIs.
Jesse Ryder New sensation and explosive opener for New Zealand in ODI already averaging 40 with the bat. Bowls some useful medium pace and has the potential to be a huge hit in IPL 2009 if he stays off the Castle.
Wasim Jaffer 31 year old Indian right handed opener.
Manish Pandey Indian U19 middle order batsman.
Wicket Keepers
Mark Boucher Veteran South African keeper who has conditions to suit.
Shreevats Goswami Indian U19. Hard to see getting a game with a fit Boucher.
All Rounders
Jacques Kallis Veteran South African all rounder with a batting average of 45 in ODI. Named leading cricketer in the world in 2008. Hopefully he can improve his stats at home, without sacrificing his team.
Dillon du Preez Saffer domestic bowling all rounder who averages around 18 with the bat and 24 with the ball.
Roelof van der Merwe South African domestic player and short format specialist. Bats in the middle and delivers right arm spin.
Cameron White Australian short format specialist averaging 24 with the bat and 30 odd with the ball in ODI. His legspin is no longer effective, and considered more of a batting allrounder.
Virat Kohli Aggresive middle order Indian U19. Chucks it down medium pace.
Praveen Kumar Indian bowling all-rounder who's seen his medium pacers user in 23 ODIs.
Balachandra Akhil
Bowlers
Dale Steyn out-and-out fast bowler capable of swing bowling at speeds in excess of 150 km/h. ICC 2008 Test Cricketer of the Year with a bowling average around 29 from 25 ODI for South Africa. The bookies favourite to take most wickets in IPL 2009.
Nathan Bracken Left arm swinger and veteran of over 102 ODI for Australia concedding just 22 per wicket on average.
Anil Kumble Veteran spinner and former Indian captain. Retired from internationals in 2008.
Tinu Yohannan Indian domestic player who's got 3 tests and ODIs under his belt and an expensive rate.
Ranganath Vinay Kumar Indian domestic medium pacer who's also useful with the bat.
Pankaj Singh Indian quickie who plies his trade in the domestic league.