(Cricket News) Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) have retained 18 players, including star batsman Virat Kohli, captain Faf du Plessis, Glenn Maxwell, and pace spearhead Mohammad Siraj. The team has released 11 players, including medium pacer Harshal Patel, Sri Lanka leg spinner Wanindu Hasaranga, and Australian quick Josh Hazlewood, depleting the team’s bowling resources.

“Mohammad Siraj is a core part of what we do so supporting Siraj with some more bowling options including overseas bowling options is going to be a real priority for us moving forward,” Bobat was quoted as saying in a media release.

In order to bolster their middle order, RCB traded Australia’s Cameron Green for Rs 17.5 crore from the Mumbai Indians. “We have a strong core of retaining players, and we have a very powerful top order.

Part of the decision-making that we had around our player release decisions was to try and strengthen the middle order and bringing Cameron Green was a fantastic move,” the captain said. “Then we have a core of local spinners, which I think is quite strong.” Some of them got some opportunities over the last year or two and they might play more leading roles going forward, he continued.

“I am committed to a long-term project here. We have an excellent group of senior players with the experience of Virat, Maxi (Maxwell), and DK (Dinesh Karthik). So, the ingredients are really strong,” Bobat said, emphasizing the importance of creating the right performance environment and culture for players to demonstrate their abilities.

“The next objective is to make sure we create the right performance, and culture where the players can really go and showcase what they are capable of, and go out and entertain the public.”

“The fans will be enthused if we adhere to our procedures, play an aggressive style of cricket, and have those moments when we are willing to take risks.”

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