AB de Villiers believes Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) finally have the right balance to win their first-ever Indian Premier League (IPL) title. He credits their improved squad and Virat Kohli’s steady presence as key factors for success.
Despite being a star-studded team, RCB have reached three finals but failed to lift the trophy. However, this season feels different. They will enter their 18th season under a new captain, Rajat Patidar. Meanwhile, Phil Salt will open alongside Kohli, adding firepower at the top.
Strong Squad Adds Depth and Power
De Villiers, who spent 11 seasons with RCB, praised their auction strategy. He said, “They made incredibly smart moves. The team looks well-balanced, with a mix of power and control in the batting lineup.”
RCB’s middle order has also strengthened significantly. Liam Livingstone, Jacob Bethell, and Tim David bring explosive batting options. Meanwhile, the bowling attack looks solid with Josh Hazlewood and Bhuvneshwar Kumar leading the pace department.
Kohli’s Role and Impact on the Team
Although Kohli has faced criticism over his strike rate, De Villiers called it unnecessary. He emphasized, “Virat still has a lot to offer. With this squad, he won’t feel too much pressure.”
Salt’s aggressive style will allow Kohli to focus on anchoring the innings. De Villiers added, “Virat knows when to attack and when to slow down. He must be the leader of the batting unit.”
Winning the IPL Would Complete Kohli’s Legacy
De Villiers believes an IPL trophy would be the perfect final achievement for Kohli. “He played a crucial role last season. His strike rate was never an issue,” he said.
RCB will begin their campaign against defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders in the IPL opener on Saturday. Fans eagerly await their performance this season.
