Virat Kohli Labels The Current RCB Squad As The Most Balanced Since 2016

Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) captain Virat Kohli expressed complete confidence in the depth of the squad ahead of the 13th edition of IPL. The 2020 season of IPL is only a few days from commencing as all the teams prepare in full flow and assess the team combinations. RCB, which finished last in the points table in 2019, has a strong chance of lifting their first IPL trophy this time, as asserted by Virat Kohli.

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It was in 2016 that the Bangalore-based franchise reached the final of the IPL for the third time. In 2017 and 2019, the team finished last on the points table while in 2018, they stood sixth. Often, Virat Kohli has experienced problems with his death bowling that has contributed to losses in the crucial stages of the competition. Furthermore, overdependence on the captain and AB De Villiers in the batting department has also been the reason for their underperformance.

Virat Kohli hailed the addition of Proteas’ bowling all-rounder Chris Morris, who he believes brings plenty of experience. The 31-year old went on to praise the recruitment of Aaron Finch and Josh Philippe, who shone with the bat in the 2019-20 Big Bash League season.

“I would definitely agree with that (most all-round squad). The reason why we wanted someone like Chris Morris precisely for that reason. He brings a lot of experience into the squad. The youngsters whom we have picked this year are exciting too. Someone like Aaron Finch, who has a lot of experience, playing international cricket for a while, Josh Philippe, up and coming, exciting player,” IPL’s highest run-getter stated as quoted by India Today.

He remains confident that the squad has balance, experience, and a good mix of youth, who are keen to express themselves. Kohli added by saying that the current squad is the most balanced since 2016 and it is up to them to execute on the field.

“We have got a great balance of experience, the skill required for T20 cricket and the youngsters in the team who are eager to take up responsibilities and looking forward to opportunities. To be honest, that 2016 season which we all loved to be a part of, since then this is the most balanced I have felt about the squad, as a system as to where we are heading. It’s been very well taken care of now. It’s up to us to execute on the field,” the Delhi-born cricketer claimed.

“He was looking like he’s still playing in 2011” : Virat Kohli

Virat Kohli shed light on his conversation with AB De Villiers, stating that they have been the calmest now before any IPL season. Kohli went on to say that De Villiers is probably in the best nick and is playing as he did in 2011. Speaking about himself, Virat underlined he is in a much better space too and balanced when it comes to the environment of IPL.

“We [AB de Villiers and I] have spoken about this that we have never felt so calm going into a season before. He is coming from a very different space, he has been enjoying his life. He is very relaxed. He came out to play a few times recently and he was looking like he’s still playing in 2011. He is as fit as ever. I am feeling like I am in a much better space, much more balanced when it comes to the environment in the IPL,” he added.

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