Former India cricketers Irfan Pathan and Mohammad Kaif recently provided insightful perspectives on the Royal Challengers Bangalore’s (RCB) approach to the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 season, focusing on the team’s pace bowling lineup and the pivotal role of captain Virat Kohli.
In an exclusive interview with Star Sports’ show ‘Game Plan,’ Irfan Pathan delved into RCB’s strategic adaptation to the unique conditions of the M Chinnaswamy Stadium pitch, renowned for being batsman-friendly. Pathan highlighted the significance of RCB’s investment in express pace bowlers, despite perceived concerns about the team’s bowling strength.
IPL 2024: Pathan Counting On RCB Pace Battery
Emphasising the potential impact of fast bowlers on sluggish surfaces like the Chinnaswamy pitch, the former India pacer said, “One thing I would like to say to RCB fans is that people might say that the bowling line-up is weak for the team at least what it seems, but RCB’s management has done one thing: they have bought pace in their bowling line-up.
“They have 3 fast bowlers who can touch one 140 km/hour speed. So there is a possibility that on a dead pitch like Chinnaswamy, this Express pace might get the job done because batting is anyway really strong.” Pathan’s analysis underscores the team’s proactive approach to addressing pitch conditions and exploiting their strengths.
Virat Kohli The Perennial X-Factor For RCB: Kaif
Meanwhile, Mohammad Kaif lauded batting mainstay Virat Kohli’s consistent form and its importance to RCB’s playoff aspirations. Kaif emphasised Kohli’s remarkable performance over the past couple of years, citing memorable innings such as his century against Afghanistan in the Asia Cup.
Highlighting Kohli’s potential to steer RCB towards success, Kaif said, “Virat Kohli has been playing amazing cricket for the last 1-2 years; he has been in good form. I remember during the Asia Cup when he scored a century against Afghanistan; since then, he hasn’t looked back.
“He has been in amazing form since then, and when a player like Virat Kohli is in form, he knows how to make runs in every match; he was also the player of the tournament during the World Cup. So I think he’s going to continue this amazing form.”
According to Kaif, Kohli’s ability to maintain exceptional form, especially after breaks, sets him apart as a formidable batsman. The former India batter added, “One special thing about Virat Kohli is that every time he comes back from a break, he plays really well. Most players want to be in touch and play regularly to get in form, but Virat Kohli, whenever, he comes back from the break, he comes across as a more dangerous batsman.”
Kaif further stressed the significance of Kohli’s form in the context of RCB’s playoff ambitions, acknowledging the presence of other impactful players like Glenn Maxwell and Cameron Green. He affirmed, “Yes, there are Green and Maxwell in the team, but Virat Kohli’s form will decide RCB’s place in the playoffs.”
Kaif’s analysis underscores the pivotal role of Kohli – who is the leading run-scorer in the history of the Indian Premier League – as a linchpin in RCB’s quest for IPL glory, despite the talent pool within the squad.
Puneet Sharma Mykhel
source: mykhel.com