<p>The Royal Challengers Bangalore, possessing the second lowest purse of Rs 8.75 crore, expectedly didn’t come out swinging at the IPL mini-auction in Kochi on Thursday but their choice of Will Jacks and Reece Topley could really strengthen the settled core.</p>.<p>With their playing XI more or less sorted, no big investment was expected from the Royal Challengers who are yet to lay their hands on the glittering trophy.</p>.<p>It was going to be about plugging in some holes and that’s exactly what they did, buying left-arm seamer Topley for a steal at Rs 1.9 crore and splurging Rs 3.2 crore on talented young batter Jacks.</p>.<p>Although the 28-year-old Topley’s career has been plagued by a succession of injuries that has hampered his international career following early promise, the left-armer is an ideal fit for T20s, especially at the death. Touching the measuring tape at 6’7’’, Topley can deliver those deadly toe-crushing yorkers with remarkable consistency. Also Topley can use his height to good effect, procuring considerable bounce from even flat surfaces. </p>.<p>Given the Royal Challengers’ bowling concerns at the death -- their Achilles Heel -- Topley could be an ideal partner for Josh Hazlewood, provided his body can cope with the rigours of the two-month long IPL.</p>.<p>“We knew that he had done well in India,” said RCB director Mike Hesson about Topley. “We know obviously the skills and attributes he brings. We had budgeted around Rs 3-4 crore for him. We got him for Rs 1.9 crore and that gave us some flexibility for Jacks.”</p>.<p>Jacks has the potential to make a strong impact for RCB. A power-hitter who can bat anywhere in the order, Jacks is also a decent off-spinner. The 24-year-old, hailed as a star in the waiting in England given his all-round talent, is a brilliant player of spin, a must-needed skill in Indian conditions. In short, he’s the ideal back-up for Glenn Maxwell, who is still recovering from a broken leg suffered during a party in November. </p>.<p>“He’s had experience batting throughout the order. He’s able to play the sweep or reverse sweep when the ball turns. He’s got genuine power and bowls off-spin. So as a genuine back-up for Glenn Maxwell, he’s as good as he gets. He’s in form and a player on the rise,” said Hesson.</p>.<p>Surprisingly, RCB purchased a Karnataka player, roping in Manoj Bhandage for base price of Rs 20 lakh.</p>
<p>The Royal Challengers Bangalore, possessing the second lowest purse of Rs 8.75 crore, expectedly didn’t come out swinging at the IPL mini-auction in Kochi on Thursday but their choice of Will Jacks and Reece Topley could really strengthen the settled core.</p>.<p>With their playing XI more or less sorted, no big investment was expected from the Royal Challengers who are yet to lay their hands on the glittering trophy.</p>.<p>It was going to be about plugging in some holes and that’s exactly what they did, buying left-arm seamer Topley for a steal at Rs 1.9 crore and splurging Rs 3.2 crore on talented young batter Jacks.</p>.<p>Although the 28-year-old Topley’s career has been plagued by a succession of injuries that has hampered his international career following early promise, the left-armer is an ideal fit for T20s, especially at the death. Touching the measuring tape at 6’7’’, Topley can deliver those deadly toe-crushing yorkers with remarkable consistency. Also Topley can use his height to good effect, procuring considerable bounce from even flat surfaces. </p>.<p>Given the Royal Challengers’ bowling concerns at the death -- their Achilles Heel -- Topley could be an ideal partner for Josh Hazlewood, provided his body can cope with the rigours of the two-month long IPL.</p>.<p>“We knew that he had done well in India,” said RCB director Mike Hesson about Topley. “We know obviously the skills and attributes he brings. We had budgeted around Rs 3-4 crore for him. We got him for Rs 1.9 crore and that gave us some flexibility for Jacks.”</p>.<p>Jacks has the potential to make a strong impact for RCB. A power-hitter who can bat anywhere in the order, Jacks is also a decent off-spinner. The 24-year-old, hailed as a star in the waiting in England given his all-round talent, is a brilliant player of spin, a must-needed skill in Indian conditions. In short, he’s the ideal back-up for Glenn Maxwell, who is still recovering from a broken leg suffered during a party in November. </p>.<p>“He’s had experience batting throughout the order. He’s able to play the sweep or reverse sweep when the ball turns. He’s got genuine power and bowls off-spin. So as a genuine back-up for Glenn Maxwell, he’s as good as he gets. He’s in form and a player on the rise,” said Hesson.</p>.<p>Surprisingly, RCB purchased a Karnataka player, roping in Manoj Bhandage for base price of Rs 20 lakh.</p>
