AB De Villiers’ Blunt ‘X Factor’ Verdict on RCB’s IPL 2024 Auction Performance

After the IPL 2024 auction, AB De Villiers believes that Royal Challengers Bangalore are still missing a quality spinner.

Legendary batter of South Africa AB De Villiers believes that Royal Challengers Bangalore are still missing a quality spinner even after the IPL 2024 auction. While reviewing the performance of RCB in the auction, De Villiers pointed out that RCB released Sri Lanka’s Wanindu Hasaranga ahead of the new season, but they failed to buy a proper alternative who can prove to be an ‘X factor’. He also mentioned veteran India spinner Yuzvendra Chahal, who was released by RCB in 2022, and Gujarat Titans star Rashid Khan while making his point that spin bowling is a department that has been a problem for the franchise.
On his YouTube channel, De Villiers said, “One or two incredible spinners, I would say, X factor. Spinners. We need a leg spinner like Rashid Khan. We got rid of Yuzvendra Chahal not long ago. We missed him over the last few years, I think. And I think that’s still the missing link, so we’ll see it. They also released Wanindu Hasaranga after last season.”
He further added, “So I don’t know what the plans are there. Yes. There are some spinners there. I do think we miss the mystery X-factor spinner that gets you four or five wickets like Rashid Khan. Unfortunately, no one could get hold of him because he is pretty much cement. Very much cemented in that GT side. But hopefully, in the future, you will know. So I should try to get him over; maybe do a trade. I don’t think Rashid Khan is tradable at the moment, though.”