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Opinion
In 2016, Virat Kohli touched new heights by scoring four centuries along with seven fifties in a single season and almost reached the 1000 figure mark that seemed impossible when the IPL originated.
The same season, RCB reached the final. They lost the final by a small margin, and it seems like an eternity since they have performed like that. In the previous three seasons, RCB have finished at the bottom of the table twice.
RCB gets a lot of attention because they have Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers, two of the greatest the game has ever seen, and they still have not won an IPL title. Both are very competitive, and their fans want them to win a title, just like Leonardo DiCaprio’s fans wanted him to win an Oscar.
DiCaprio’s fans got their wish, and now it’s about time the dynamic duo of Kohli and ABD get what they deserve.
Openers
To win any format of the game, a team must have reliable openers. In a T20 match, openers need to build momentum for the rest of the team. RCB openers Aaron Finch and the IPL debutant Devdutt Padikkal have done an excellent job at the top. Padikkal has now scored three half-centuries in four innings and has set an eye on the orange cap.
The Kohli Factor
Every team sport needs a leader leading from the front. Virat Kohli has done than throughout his career, but he did not have a good start to this season. He failed to score double-digits twice in his first three innings.
Although, it is almost impossible to keep someone of his stature for long. He took time at the crease against Rajasthan Royals and made the most out of it. He scored a much need half-century, taking his team across like we are used to with him.
(Robert Cianflone/Getty Images)
ABD roaring still
Before the last match against RR, AB de Villiers had scored eight fifties in RCB’s last ten victories. That indicated how much RCB was dependent on him.
Against the Mumbai Indians, de Villiers showed his class act by taking on arguably the best T20 bowler in the world right now, Jasprit Bumrah. Without AB’s rescue act, the victory against RR shows RCB batting line-up is in good health this season.
Spinners doing a fine job
Yuzvendra Chahal is leading the purple cap race, with eight scalps to his name. There is no doubt that Chahal and Rashid Khan are the elite T20 spinners in the world at the moment. He puts a break on opposition momentum in the middle overs.
Adam Zampa and Washington Sundar are playing Robin’s role and even though they have taken a wicket each, they have done well considering the situation.
Fast bowlers getting the rhythm
A T20 match is a graveyard for bowlers, so let’s not judge them on mere numbers here. Navdeep Saini has played all four games, and as the tournament has progressed, he has found his rhythm and he bowled under immense pressure showed his capabilities in the super-over.
Isuru Udana has been a welcome change, and it showed RCB’s concealed bench strength. Chris Morris has done well throughout his IPL career, and as soon as he is fit, he will come out of the bench and provide all-around support to the team.
RCB’s best chance
Virat Kohli’s team is now second on the table, and they will be delighted by the start they have got. If they can carry the momentum in the upcoming matches, it will take off pressure in the last few group stage matches.
And when Virat and company are playing freely, we can expect domination. It’s about time Kohli gets his hand on that title.
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