Royal Challengers Bangalore retains top 3, but drop coach

Bangalore: The Royal Challengers Bangalore on Thursday became the first team to reveal their retention list for the forthcoming Indian Premier League.

With a day to go for the deadline for the teams to submit the list of retained players, if any and a maximum of five, the Royal Challengers, have on expected lines retained their skipper Virat Kohli while also ensuring that the explosive Chris Gayle and AB de Villiers wouldn’t come up for auction.

MI, CSK and Rajasthan Royals use full retention quota for IPL VII

But in a significant move, the Vijay Mallya-owned franchise has parted ways with coach Ray Jennings and instead replaced him with Kiwi Daniel Vettori, who has led the team in the past. Tough-talking South African Jennings had been the coach of the Bengaluru-based team since the inception of the league in 2008.

In another remarkable move, former South African pace ace Allan Donald, previously with Pune Warriors, has been roped in as bowling coach and is sure to fire up the team’s prospects in the seventh edition.

Young icon Kohli, RCB’s marquee player for several years now said: “I am happy and honoured to be retained by RCB and it’s great to be back to Bangalore, literally my second home now. Together with my other retained mates Chris, AB and the rest of the team, I hope to fulfill the faith that RCB and the fans have reposed in me,” the batsman said in a statement released by RCB.

Commenting on the retention decisions, RCB chairman Mallya said, “This formidable trio of players have contributed significantly to RCB’s past performance and are match-winners in their own right. “Their retention means that we have a strong platform to build an exceptional team.”

The retention of Gayle will be one biggest gains for RCB, especially with the towering Jamaican being one of the most feared batsmen in the cash-rich League. “Home Again!! I am happy to be retained by RCB and looking forward to the love and affection… Bangalore, here I come again and let’s rock,” was Gayle’s reaction.

While Vettori association with RCB is not new, Donald comes in after being a part of the Warriors in the last edition. Aussie Trent Woodhill, credited with moulding Australian David Warner’s career, will take over the responsibilities of batting and fielding coach.

Other confirmed support staff included are Avinash Vaidya (team and operations manager), Evan Speechly (physiotherapist), S Basu (strength and conditioning coach) and Ramesh Mane (team masseur).

Meanwhile, defending champions Mumbai Indians and the formidable Chennai Super Kings are the two franchises which are set to retain all five players when the teams submit their lists on Friday. MI and CSK are the two teams that have the biggest fan base all over India and have had a core set of players that has remained pretty much the same over the years.

As far as BCCI president N Srinivasan’s franchise is concerned, skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni will be retained along with Ravindra Jadeja, R. Ashwin and Suresh Raina — all India regulars. The choice of foreign player will be between West Indies’ Dwayne Bravo and South Africa’s Faf du Plessis.

Dhoni’s fascination for seam-bowling all-rounders is widely documented and Bravo certainly will hold an edge over his South African rival, who has also caught the imagination with his big-hitting prowess.

For Mumbai Indians, it will be the first season without Sachin Tendulkar and skipper Rohit Sharma and the immensely popular Kieron Pollard are the two automatic choices for retention.
Mitchell Johnson’s red-hot form and his performance in the Ashes also makes him a contender for a place in the retention list.

Sri Lankan slinger Lasith Malinga who has provided brilliant service over the years is also in MI’s wish-list.

Dinesh Karthik’s glovework along with his explosive batting makes him a strong candidate for retention while Ambati Rayudu and Harbhajan Singh will also be in the contention for retention. Harbhajan, with 24 wickets in the last edition and with a better brand value will be slightly ahead in the race than Rayudu.

For Delhi Daredevils, it might be a new beginning having had horrible last season. Virender Sehwag is unlikely to be retained as he has had a prolonged slump in batting form with falling level of fitness.

There is an outside chance of David Warner making the retention list but DD management always has the option of buying Warner back from the auction pool.

Kolkata Knight Riders are all set to retain their captain Gautam Gambhir, who led the team to their maiden IPL triumph back in 2012. West Indies spinner Sunil Narine and speedster Mohammed Shami are also in the wish-list of the Shah Rukh Khan co-owned franchise.

Rajasthan Royals with the retirement of Rahul Dravid will automatically promote Shane Watson as their skipper. Talented keeper batsman Sanju Samson along with Ajinkya Rahane are the couple of Indian players that the Shilpa Shetty co-owned franchise might think of keeping back.

Sunrisers Hyderabad, who started off last season with a good show will retain Shikhar Dhawan and Dale Steyn for sure. There is a choice between new ODI sensation Quinton de Kock and West Indies all-rounder Darren Sammy.