Indian T20 league 2023: Bangalore's possible playing XI

Bangalore are one of the few sides that are yet to win the coveted Indian T20 League title. This year they would look to change it and for that, they walked into the auctions with not many gaps to be filled. They came to the mini-auction with seven slots available to fill and they completed their full squad of 25 players by spending Rs. 7 crores on Friday.

Bangalore bought five uncapped players to complete their squad in the auction. England’s Will Jack was their most expensive buy in the auction as they spent INR 3.2 crore for the right-handed batter. Jack’s fellow teammate Reece Topley was the only other one for which Banglore spent more than a crore in the auction. The structure of the side will fairly remain the same as in 2022. Here's how their possible playing XI looks like.

Top Order

Virat Kohli and Faf Du Plessis (Source - Twitter)

Without a doubt, Former India captain Virat Kohli who is in tremendous form in the shortest format and was the highest run scorer for the Indian team in the recently concluded 20-20 World Cup 2022 will continue to open with the South African star Faf du Plessis. Rajat Patidar, who had a good 2022 season, would occupy the crucial No. 3 spot.

Middle Order

Dinesh Karthik and Mahipal Lomror (Source - Twitter)

In the middle order, the left-handed batter Mahipal Lomror will be seen providing his services for the Bangalore-based Franchise. Indian wicketkeeper-batter Dinesh Karthik who was in brilliant touch in the previous season for the franchise will look to continue to do the same and will also be seen playing the role of a finisher for the team.

Allrounders

Glenn Maxwell and Shahbaz Ahmed (Source - Twitter)

Australian star allrounder Glenn Maxwell who has a lot of experience in the shortest form of cricket will be seen again in the red jersey. Bangalore signed him in the mega auction earlier this year and Maxwell made sure that the franchise’s decision don’t go wrong. They have another spinning allrounder Shahbaz Ahmed who has the ability to turn the game any moment.

Bowlers

Josh Hazlewood and Mohammed Siraj (Source - Twitter)

The right-arm seamer Harshal Patel has been a key bowler for the Bangalore team in the previous seasons. Ahead of the 2021 season, he was traded to Bangalore after a brief stint with Delhi. It turned out to be a breakthrough year, where he finished with 32 wickets. Star spinner from the Sri Lankan team Wanindu Hasaranga was in brilliant form in the 20-20 World Cup and can be a key bowler for Bangalore in the upcoming season of the cash-rich league.

Bangalore’s pace batteries did wonders in the previous season. Indian fast bowlers Mohammed Siraj and Australian speedster Josh Hazlewood will be seen leading the bowling department. Hazlewood’s ability to take wickets in the powerplay will be a treat to watch in the major league.

Bangalore possible playing XI:

Faf du Plessis, Virat Kohli, Rajat Patidar, Glenn Maxwell, Mahipal Lomror, Dinesh Karthik, Shahbaz Ahmed, Harshal Patel, Wanindu Hasaranga, Mohammed Siraj, Josh Hazlewood