Kohli lauds the balance of Royal Challengers Bangalore’s 2020 IPL squad

Royal Challengers Bangalore skipper Virat Kohli believes the current crop of players represent the best-balanced side the franchise has put out in the Indian Premier League since 2016.
RCB have fielded star-studded teams year after year in the IPL but the 2016 season, when they finished as runners-up, remains the closest they have come to lifting the trophy.
Kohli confident ahead of 2020 IPL
Already sporting the likes of Kohli, AB de Villiers and England match-winner Moeen Ali, RCB have added explosive Australia opener Aaron Finch and veteran South Africa allrounder Chris Morris. The skipper is happy with the makeup of the group and the overhauled coaching staff.
“We’ve got a great balance of experience, the skill required for T20 cricket and the youngsters in the team who are eager to take up the responsibility and look forward to opportunities that we’re going to provide them,” Kohli told RCB TV.
“It’s an exciting time.
“As I said, that 2016 season which we’ve all loved to be a part of, it was such a memorable season.
“Since then, to be honest, this is the most balanced I’ve felt about the squad, as a system where we’re heading. It’s been very well taken care of now, it’s up to us to execute those things on the field.”
AB in a great space
Kohli made it clear that the team will set out to finally win their first IPL title and he feels having a well-rested and focused De Villiers on board strengthens their hopes.
When asked if he and De Villiers have formulated a plan this IPL and if the miracle was going to happen, Kohli said: “We definitely feel it will.
“Because we’ve never felt so calm going into a season before. [AB de Villiers] is coming from a very different space, he’s been enjoying his life, is relaxed.
“He came out to play and is looking like playing in 2011 still – he’s as fit as ever. I’m in a much better space, more balanced when it comes to the IPL environment.”
Kohli keen to move on
The India skipper wants to move on without the baggage of past failures in the IPL.
“It’s about disconnecting with things that have happened in the past and not taking that baggage,” said Kohli.
“We’ve done that way too many times.
“Just because we have a bunch of players who are so skilled and people like seeing them play, that’s why people have had expectations.
“We’re not going to think of what-ifs, we know what we can do, we’re very keen and hungry to do it.”
Latest
-
England
England batter Harry Brook believes he is a more powerful hitter than in 2022
Brook was the star performer during day one of England’s Test warm-up against a New Zealand XI in Hamilton.
-
England
Harry Brook smashes 97 as England pile on runs in New Zealand warm-up clash
The tourists racked up 465 all out in just 69.2 overs.
-
England
Harry Brook hits nine sixes en route to 97 as England start New Zealand tour
Captain Ben Stokes opted not to take the field, allowing Ollie Pope to lead the side instead.
-
Women's Cricket
England quartet enter WPL auction at top £50,000 base price
Nat and Katherine Sciver-Brunt, Sophie Ecclestone and Danni Wyatt are among 24 players at the maximum reserve.
-
England
England spinner Jack Leach ‘having too much fun to get ill now’
The Somerset spinner was hospitalised the last time he toured New Zealand with England.
-
Women's Cricket
Sarah Glenn hopes aggressive mindset helps England do ‘something really special’
Jon Lewis’ squad play their final warm-up against New Zealand in Cape Town.
-
England
Michael Vaughan set to be only charged individual to appear at racism hearing
A hearing has been confirmed to take place between March 1 and 9.
-
New Zealand
Kyle Jamieson hoping for more exciting cricket as Brendon McCullum returns to NZ
England face New Zealand in a two-Test series.
-
Australia
Australia T20 captain Aaron Finch retires from international cricket
The 36-year-old skippered Australia in 76 T20 internationals, more than any other men’s player.
-
England
On this day in 2017: Sir Alastair Cook steps down as England Test captain
Cook’s 59 Tests in charge made him the nation’s longest-serving captain at the time.