The Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) is an IPL franchise team based in Bangalore, India. Dr. Vijay Mallya, an Indian businessman and billionaire, is the owner of the franchise, which was established in 2008 as an original IPL team. The logo of the Royals is a simple shield with the gold letters RC on a red background in the centre, surrounded by a gold circle. Bangalore's watchword is "strategy". Given their runner-up finish in IPL2, it is likely that their long-term strategy for building a solid T20 team is bearing fruit.
As found on their logo, the Challengers use a red kit with golden yellow trimmings and strips. For the third edition of the IPL, RCB will use the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, which has a capacity to seat approximately 50,000 persons. Established in 1969, the Chinnaswamy Stadium is operated by the Karnataka Cricket Association.
== Brief IPL history ==
RCB had a real challenge in their first IPL season, as an abysmal run of form saw them finish next to last in the group stage. Although they had players of the calibre of Anil Kumble and Jacques Kallis in their squad, the Challengers only managed to win 4 matches out of 14 in 2008. In 2009, change was on the horizon as former South Africa coach, Ray Jennings, took over the mantle from Venkatesh Prasad. RCB showed a marked improvement in IPL 2, although that had little to do with the efforts of the most expensive player in the league, Kevin Pietersen. Under the captaincy of Indian stalwart, Anil Kumble, Bangalore went straight to the finals to challenge Deccan Charges-only to lose a tight match by a mere six runs.
== Star attractions of the Royal Challengers Bangalore for 2010 ==
Anil Kumble (captain), Rahul Dravid, Kevin Pietersen (ENG), Robin Uthappa, Virat Kohli, Jacques Kallis (SA), Ross Taylor (NZ), R van de Merwe (SA), Mark Boucher (SA), Eoin Morgan (ENG) and Cameron White (AUS)
== Coaching staff==
Head Coach: Ray Jennings (SA)
Assistant Coach: Vijay Bharadwaj
== 2010 Kings XI Punjab Squad ==
=> Batsmen
Virat Kohli, Robin Uthappa, Rahul Dravid, Ross Taylor, Kevin Pietersen, Manish Pandey and Eoin Morgan
=> All Rounders
Dillon du Preez, Jacques Kallis, Roelof van der Merwe, Cameron White, Praveen Kumar, Balachandra Akhil, Sridharan Sriram, Steven Smith
=> Wicket Keeper
Mark Boucher and Shreevats Goswami
=> Bowlers
Anil Kumble (Captain), Dale Steyn, Vinay Kumar, Ahimanyu Mithun, Bhuvanesh Kumar
== Outlook ==
The strength of the Royal Challengers team lies in its batting. The bowling attack is good but it lacks the depth and quality that could endure 14 IPL games in two months. Injuries to players like Dale Steyn and Jacques Kallis would leave the bowling considerably weaker. Notwithstanding that, the RCB franchise is a serious challenger for a semi-final spot and possibly another Champions League place. They would surely love to get the opportunity to compensate for their abysmal run in the Airtel Champions League after their promising runner-up finish in IPL2.
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