Royal Challengers Bengaluru banking on No 18 to end IPL drought

Dubai: For Virat Kohli, the No 18 has always held a special meaning. As the 18th season of the Indian Premier League (IPL) kicks off, Kohli and Royal Challengers Bangalore are hoping this milestone year will be the one where they finally lift the elusive trophy. With his jersey number matching the season, can Kohli’s unwavering pursuit of glory lead RCB to the title they’ve been chasing for 17 years?

Virat Kohli’s journey with Royal Challengers Bangalore has been nothing short of legendary. Since the inception of the IPL in 2008, Kohli has been the face of the franchise, accumulating 8,004 runs across 252 matches, including eight centuries and 55 fifties.

Despite these monumental achievements, the IPL trophy has remained frustratingly out of reach. RCB has finished as runners-up three times — in 2009, 2011, and 2016 — but the title has always eluded them. Now, as the IPL enters its 18th season, Kohli, with his iconic No 18 jersey, is determined to change that narrative and finally end RCB’s long wait for glory.

If last season is anything to go by, RCB’s chances look promising. After a rocky start with only one win from their first seven matches, they turned things around, winning six consecutive games and sealing the final playoff spot. Kohli, who finished as the Orange Cap winner with 741 runs in 15 matches, proved the doubters wrong with his enhanced strike rate, showing that even at 36, he remains a force to be reckoned with.

The upcoming season promises new hope, with RCB’s revamped squad under new captain Rajat Patidar. The team features a blend of youth and experience, with big-hitters like Phil Salt, Liam Livingstone, and Romario Shepherd joining the fold. The return of veteran pacers Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Josh Hazlewood bolsters their bowling attack, although the lack of a quality spinner could prove a challenge. However, Krunal Pandya and Livingstone could step in to fill the gap, and with a host of all-rounders, RCB’s squad strength is undeniable.

Kohli’s focus is unwavering as he prepares for another gruelling IPL season. Having come off a disappointing run in Australia, he has regained his form in the Champions Trophy and feels ready for the challenges ahead. At the RCB Innovation Lab Indian Sports Summit in Bengaluru, Kohli spoke candidly about his mental approach.

“So, there’s no such guarantees in life. I think when you are at a stage for a long period of time, when you perform, people get used to your performances. They start feeling for you more than you feel sometimes. This has to be corrected,” Kohli explained. “Once you start taking on the energy and the disappointment from the outside, then you start burdening yourself way more… and you start getting more desperate. That’s something I’ve surely experienced in Australia as well.”

Kohli also made it clear that his retirement speculation was put to rest. His focus remains on the IPL and the task at hand — bringing the title home to RCB.

AB de Villiers, former RCB stalwart and one of Kohli’s close friends, believes that winning the IPL title would be the perfect ending to Kohli’s career.

“It’s great to see him stepping out of his comfort zone, trying new shots, and exploring different aspects of his game. He’s always had that ability in him. You can see how much it means to him. Winning the IPL with RCB would be the perfect finishing touch to his already phenomenal career,” de Villiers said on JioHotstar’s ‘Power Play.’

As IPL 2024 gets underway, all eyes will be on the magic No 18. Kohli’s passion, combined with RCB’s fresh approach and revamped squad, makes this season one of the most exciting in franchise history. The wait has been long, the near-misses painful, but the stars seem to be aligning for Kohli and RCB. As the campaign unfolds on Saturday against defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders on Saturday, only one thing is certain: RCB is not just chasing the title — they are chasing history.

Batters: Rajat Patidar (captain), Tim David (overseas), Virat Kohli, Devdutt Padikkal, Phil Salt (overseas), Jitesh Sharma, Swastik Chikara.

All-rounders: Jacob Bethell (overseas), Manoj Bhandage, Liam Livingstone (overseas), Mohit Rathree, Krunal Pandya, Romario Shepherd (overseas)

Bowlers: Abhinandan Singh, Josh Hazlewood (overseas), Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Lungi Ngidi (overseas), Rasikh Salam, Suyash Sharma, Swapnil Singh. Nuwan Thushara (overseas), Yash Dayal.