Promises. Of things to come, of the positives expected. Easy to say, difficult to deliver.

That, in a nutshell, has pretty much been the story of Royal Challengers Bangalore, a team that promises much every year only to flatter to deceive. The trophy still eludes them, three runners-up medals their only silverware thus far.

If there’s something RCB supporters will point out is that the side did enter the play-offs in the last two seasons, losing in the Eliminator on both occasions.

This is a new season in more than one respect. For starters, Virat Kohli is no longer captain. Whether that frees him up as a batsman is something only time will tell.

The onus will be on Kohli’s successor Faf du Plessis, both as captain and as one of the leading batters, especially since RCB legend AB de Villiers is no longer available. How the youngsters and newcomers fare will be equally crucial in deciding RCB’s fortunes.

Strengths

Last year, in Chennai Super Kings colours, Du Plessis finished second best behind Ruturaj Gaikwad in terms of run scoring. What stood out was his authority, solidity and, above all, his calmness.

If Du Plessis can maintain all that along with his added responsibility as skipper, it would take a lot of pressure off both Kohli and Glenn Maxwell, who has looked a much improved batsman since he joined the franchise last year.

The arrival of Maxwell’s country-mate, pacer Josh Hazlewood, should add to RCB’s bowling arsenal that also features Sri Lankan leg-spinner Wanindu Hasaranga, who could be more than handy in these conditions. RCB also have quicks like Mohammed Siraj, who has been making consistent progress, while last year’s top wicket-taker Harshal Patel’s confidence is on a high following his India debut.

Concerns

Du Plessis’ captaincy acumen will be put to test in the shortest format.

Kohli has been without an international century for over two years and RCB would hope that would not play on his mind when he takes guard in the IPL.

Also, with Devdutt Padikkal no longer there, RCB do require someone of class to open alongside Du Plessis. Will Kohli play that role?

Another call for the RCB is on who they should play as wicketkeeper. Should they choose Dinesh Karthik or focus more on the 22-year-old Delhi wicketkeeper-batsman Anuj Rawat?

Besides, with Yuzvendra Chahal now in Rajasthan Royals, the absence of an internationally established Indian spinner in the squad could also somewhat affect RCB.

Key men: Virat Kohli, Wanindu Hasaranga, Harshal Patel