IPL 2019: Mitchell Johnson Feels RCB Can Win the Tournament if They Get Rid of Virat Kohli

The rivalry between former Australian speedster Mitchell Johnson and current Team India skipper Virat Kohli is well known in the cricketing fraternity. During their playing days, the duo had several duels against each other and on most occasions, the Indian skipper has come out on top. During a Test match back in 2014-15, Virat Kohli had a heated exchange with Mitchell Johnson after the bowler throws a ball towards him after Kohli had defended it to the bowler.

It sparked Kohli to go after Johnson. The war of words actually helped Australia as Kohli played quite a few false shots in a matter of 15 minutes. He edged it through the slip cordon which was followed up by a missed chance from Shane Watson in slips. He top-edged a short of length delivery but again it fell in no man’s land.

Now after Johnson’s retirement, he has taken a sly dig at Virat Kohli when asked by an Instagram user that whether he thinks Royal Challengers Bangalore can win the IPL this year. In reply, Mitchell Johnson said that only if they get rid of their skipper albeit in a light-hearted manner. Over the years, Johnson has been critical of Kohli but has also showered praises on him whenever he has performed well.

Royal Challengers Bangalore started off their IPL 12 campaign with a defeat against the Chennai Super Kings by 7 wickets. In a rank turner in Chennai, Bangalore was bowled out for a meagre 70 run. None of the batsmen barring Parthiv Patel had an answer for their spinners. It was Harbhajan Singh who started the slide with the prized wickets of Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers.

Eventually, the spinners bagged 8 wickets between them to skittle out RCB for just 70 runs. In reply, they coasted to victory by 7 wickets and with 16 deliveries to spare. Bangalore plays their 2^nd game of the tournament today against the three-time champions Mumbai Indians today at their home ground. M Chinnaswamy Stadium has been traditionally a high scoring venue and we could witness a high scoring thriller later today.