Published: May 20, 2015, 03:30 PM (IST)
Edited: May 21, 2015, 10:53 AM (IST)
After a few ups and downs, Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) finally made it to the playoffs and will lock horns against Rajasthan Royals (RR) in the first eliminator on Wednesday. Despite of making it to three play-offs in Indian Premier League (IPL), RCB has never tasted a title triumph. Suraj Choudhari examines the fact if RCB can lift their maiden coveted trophy?
Since IPL’s inception, RCB has always had the privilege of having some fine cricketers. However the side hasn’t been able to hold onto their nerves in crucial games and most often floundered. In fact, many fans acknowledge RCB as ‘South Africa’ of the IPL for its reputation of not winning the title, despite having all the required ingredients.
They have made it to the finals of the cash rich tournament particularly on two occasions in 2009 and 2011. In 2009, RCB took on Deccan Chargers (DC) in the final game of the IPL. Anil Kumble led RCB brilliantly after taking over from Kevin Pietersen midway. RCB restricted DC to 143 and despite of them dominating the match for a major part, they fell short by six runs.
After losing the semi-final in 2010, they re-grouped and fought hard to make it to the final of the 2011 edition. Chris Gayle had bailed them out on many occasions but on the big day, he failed to get going as MS Dhoni’s Chennai Super Kings successfully defended 206.
In the next three editions, RCB despite of having a strong side failed to make it to the playoffs. This time too, RCB’s strength lies in their batting. A side that has Chris Gayle, AB de Villiers and Virat Kohli in their top three poses serious threat to any opposition. Add Mitchell Starc to that. The left-armer is currently the best limited-overs bowler and has made a big impact for the Bangalore based side this year. David Weise has managed to fit in the big shoes of an impactful all-rounder. Mandeep Singh, Dinesh Karthik and Sarfaraz Khan add to the batting ammunition. As a spinner, Yuzvendra Chahal has chipped in with wickets while the likes of Harshal Patel and Sreenath Aravind have supported Starc.
Captain Kohli is a big match player and has an impeccable ability to absorb pressure. RCB, who have peaked up at the right time, look formidable and have all their bases covered. They will forward to cross the last three hurdles to lay their hands on the coveted trophy for the first time.
(Suraj Choudhari, an avid cricket follower who plays the sport at club level, is a staffer with Criclife)
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