If it was not for the previous editions of Indian Premier League, one wouldn't even believe the turnaround the Royal Challengers Bangalore have managed to script in this season. But thanks to the tournament and its history of throwing up such fascinating stories of will, determination and success, from languishing at the bottom of the table a month ago Royal Challengers Bangalore have managed to crawl up to the brink of their maiden IPL glory.
Always one of the strongest teams on paper, the Virat Kohli-led RCB booked a place in the finals of the tournament for just the third time by defeating Gujarat Lions in the First Qualifier. Irrespective of the opponent they meet in the final, Virat and Co. will surely look to make it count this time.
Here are 5 reasons why Bangalore looks all set to lift the trophy in IPL 2016
#1 Momentum
After their defeat to Mumbai Indians, Bangalore needed to win all their matches to make it to the playoffs. And win they did! Since they annihilated Gujarat Lions at the Chinnaswamy with a thumping 144 run win, they haven’t looked back. They won their remaining matches against Kolkata Knight Riders, Kings XI Punjab and Delhi Daredevils to finish in the top two.
Despite having the cushion of one extra match even if they lost to Gujarat in the 1st Qualifier, there was no let up in the intensity and they settled the matter on their home ground itself to become the first team to qualify for the finals. In the light of the momentum they’ve picked, it looks impossible for any team to stop their juggernaut.
#2 Home Advantage
The fact that the final will take place in Bangalore and on the same strip of Chinnaswamy that the RCB batsmen relish so much can’t be underlined more.
To have your home crowd cheering for you is a fillip any team would desire when playing the final. And Royal Challengers Bangalore, with the biggest names of the batting world and in prime form, are in the best position to exploit the advantage that the batting paradise and short boundaries of Chinnaswamy presents.
#3 Bowling finally finding its groove
Halfway down the tournament, no one could have predicted that two Bangalore bowlers will feature in the top 3 of the list of highest wicket-takers. In fact, much of the blame for Bangalore’s poor start to the campaign was poured on the shoulders of their weak bowling attack who collectively failed to defend massive totals racked up by their batsmen.
But luckily for RCB, the bowling is finally coming good at the business end of the tournament. Watson and Chahal have been ably supported by Chris Jordan, Iqbal Abdulla and S Aravind in the last few matches. The names may still not match those in their batting, but they’ve performed commendably well as a unit.
#4 The Holy Trinity
What has always made RCB a force to reckon with is their batting line up. However, it’s this season when it has all actually clicked for the franchise. Both Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers have come out firing on all cylinders to occupy the top two positions in the list of highest run scorers.
Although Chris Gayle has blown hot and cold with his batting form, one can’t deny the psychological edge he gives his team over the opponents whenever he walks out to bat. With a relatively unremarkable IPL for him, except for a few knocks and controversies, the big Jamaican must be itching to leave his mark on the 2016 edition with a big one in the finals.
#5 Virat Kohli’s unflinching determination
Virat Kohli, the batsman, has been in such sublime form that he has completely overshadowed Virat Kohli, the skipper. Driven, motivated and hungry are just some of the adjectives one can use to define Kohli on the field in IPL 2016. Apart from leading from the front with his bat, he has been ruthless as a skipper and hasn’t shied away from dropping big names against popular opinion.
He also needs to be credited for marshalling his limited bowling resources splendidly well. Kohli, the skipper expects every team member to give 120% on the field and has shown the way himself with his intensity on the field.
