Former Pakistan cricketer Rashid Latif made a striking remark about Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s (RCB) chances of winning the Indian Premier League (IPL). His statement came in response to ex-Pakistan opener Ahmed Shehzad, who suggested that the inclusion of left-arm pacer Mohammad Amir in RCB’s squad could end their trophy drought.
Shehzad claimed that what legends like Anil Kumble, Rahul Dravid, Virat Kohli, AB de Villiers, and Chris Gayle couldn’t achieve, Amir could. However, Latif dismissed this notion, asserting that as long as MS Dhoni plays for Chennai Super Kings (CSK), RCB should not even dream of lifting the IPL trophy.
Since the tournament’s inception in 2008, RCB and Punjab Kings remain the only teams yet to win an IPL title. RCB, despite boasting star-studded line-ups and a massive fan following, has repeatedly fallen short. While the possibility of Amir playing for RCB is unrealistic—since Pakistani players are not allowed in the IPL—Latif’s statement highlighted the dominance of Dhoni’s presence in the league.
Virat Kohli’s Comeback and AB de Villiers’ Support
As RCB prepares for the IPL 2025 season, cricketing legend AB de Villiers voiced strong support for Virat Kohli, particularly addressing criticism of his strike rate. Speaking on JioHotstar, de Villiers dismissed the scrutiny around Kohli’s cautious approach in some matches, emphasizing that Kohli always plays according to the situation. He pointed out that when Kohli has a dependable partner at the other end, he takes more risks, but otherwise, he ensures stability in the innings.
During the initial six matches of the last IPL season, Kohli accumulated 319 runs at an average of 79.75, with a century and two fifties. However, his strike rate of 141 drew heavy criticism, especially for his struggles against spin bowling.
In response, Kohli adjusted his approach, incorporating the slog sweep and attacking spinners more aggressively. Over the next nine matches, his strike rate surged to 166, as he scored 422 runs with three half-centuries, ending the season with 38 sixes—matching his record-breaking 2016 campaign.
RCB’s Quest for Their Maiden IPL Title
Under new captain Rajat Patidar, RCB will begin their IPL 2025 campaign against defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders on March 22 at Eden Gardens. For Virat Kohli, who has been with the franchise since 2008, winning the elusive IPL trophy remains a dream.
Last season, despite a slow start, RCB bounced back, winning six consecutive matches to secure a playoff spot before losing to Rajasthan Royals in the eliminator. Kohli finished as the tournament’s leading run-scorer with 741 runs in 15 matches, securing the Orange Cap with an impressive average of 61.75 and a strike rate of 154.69.
With a fresh season ahead, RCB will be eager to break their title drought. However, if Rashid Latif’s words hold any weight, as long as MS Dhoni remains in CSK, RCB’s road to the IPL trophy will be anything but easy.
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