BENGALURU: Years ago, Royal Challengers Bangalore fans, ever hopeful of their team winning the Indian Premier League title despite seemingly endless disappointments, coined the catchline, “Ee sala Cup namde!” (The cup is ours this time). However, the wait for the trophy has stretched over 17 seasons, turning the catchline into a subject of mockery and jeers.
This season, RCB changed their name to Royal Challengers Bengaluru, along with a new catchline, “Hosa adhyaya” (A new beginning). Despite these changes, the team initially seemed to follow their old pattern, winning just one of their first eight matches. Then, a remarkable turnaround occurred, with Faf du Plessis and his men securing win after win to make the playoffs.
PATIDAR PACKS A PUNCH
Given a clear role and consistent slot, Rajat Patidar has come into his own. With five half-centuries and a strike rate nearing 180, Patidar has filled the void for an impactful Indian batter besides Kohli. His consistent acceleration and six-hitting abilities have been standout features.
VIRAT KOHLI’S FORM
Virat Kohli has hit a purple patch, donning the Orange Cap for the majority of the season. Despite criticism of his strike rate when the team struggled, Kohli has amassed 708 runs this season, including a century and five half-centuries, at a strike rate of 155.60.
THE FOREIGN FLAVOUR
Initially, the inconsistent performances of Faf du Plessis, Glenn Maxwell, and others like Reece Topley, Will Jacks, and Cameron Green were major concerns for RCB. However, in the second half of the season, Jacks improved his batting tempo and Green excelled in his all-rounder role.
FAF FACTOR
Du Plessis, with his experience of lifting the IPL trophy twice with Chennai Super Kings, has been crucial for RCB. At 38, he still knows how to handle pressure and deliver when it matters. His experience was vital in tricky situations, as seen in his match-winning 54 on a damp wicket after Kohli’s exit on Saturday night.
BOWLERS COME TO THE PARTY
Bowling has often been RCB’s Achilles’ heel, and it was evident in the first half of the season. However, discipline and precision turned things around in the latter half. Foreign pacers like Green and Lockie Ferguson complemented the efforts of Mohd Siraj and Yash Dayal, while Maxwell and Swapnil Singh bolstered the spin attack.
CATCHES WIN MATCHES
Fielding excellence has been key to RCB’s resurgence. Du Plessis’ one-handed stunner to dismiss CSK’s Mitchell Santner off Siraj’s bowling exemplifies their sharp fielding this season. Alongside Du Plessis, Maxwell, and Kohli have compensated for others’ fielding lapses, contributing significantly to the team’s turnaround.
