RCB concluded the previous season in the sixth position, securing seven victories and suffering seven losses, ultimately failing to qualify for the playoffs.
In the ongoing SA20 league, England all-rounder Will Jacks showcased an exceptional performance, contributing to Pretoria Capitals’ first victory. Jacks, set to make his Indian Premier League (IPL) debut with the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) this year, displayed a remarkable batting display by smashing nine sixes and eight fours, achieving a 41-ball century. His stellar innings propelled the Capitals to a total of 204/9. Furthermore, Jacks played a crucial role with the ball, taking two wickets, leading his team to a 17-run triumph over the Durban Super Giants. Fans lauded Jacks on social media for his outstanding all-round performance at the SuperSport Park in Centurion.
RCB enthusiasts expressed heightened excitement about witnessing Jacks in action during the upcoming IPL season, as he missed the tournament last year due to an injury.
In response to the match, the Capitals secured their first win by restricting the Super Giants to 187/7 while chasing 205. Jacks, with figures of 2-19 and a century, earned the ‘Man of the Match’ accolade.
Jacks, acquired by RCB for Rs 3.2 crore at the IPL 2023 auction, unfortunately suffered a muscle injury during an ODI against Bangladesh in Mirpur, leading to his exclusion from the tournament. RCB then signed New Zealand all-rounder Michael Bracewell as Jacks’ replacement for IPL 2023. However, Jacks was retained by RCB during the IPL Players Auction 2024, subsequently releasing Bracewell.
Looking back at the last season, RCB retained players like Faf du Plessis, Virat Kohli, Glenn Maxwell, Mohammed Siraj, and others. They finished sixth, failing to make it to the playoffs. Noteworthy players released included Harshal Patel, Josh Hazlewood, and Kedar Jadhav. RCB made trades, acquiring Mayank Dagar and Cameron Green from Mumbai Indians.
