Royal Challengers Bangalore commenced their pre-tournament preparations without their talismanic leader, Virat Kohli, whose anticipated arrival is slated a few days before the team’s IPL opener against defending champions Chennai Super Kings on March 22. Under the watchful guidance of newly appointed head coach Andy Flower and Director of Cricket Mo Bobat, the domestic contingent delved into their training regimen on the inaugural day of the camp.
While captain Faf du Plessis and West Indies pace sensation Alzarri Joseph were present, the absence of Kohli, widely revered as the cornerstone of Indian cricket, loomed large, his return awaited following a paternity hiatus that saw him miss the high-profile Test series against England.
A BCCI source said: “Kohli is expected to join in the next few days,”
The team eagerly anticipates Kohli’s imminent return, with hopes pinned on his potential appearance during the much-anticipated ‘RCB Unbox’ event, an annual spectacle that sees fans eagerly awaiting the emergence of their beloved stars. As the training sessions commenced in earnest, Du Plessis took a moment to express gratitude for the addition of Flower to the coaching staff, acknowledging the invaluable contribution he is poised to make to the team’s fortunes.
Du Plessis said: “I think he’s an incredible coach. So I feel team is very lucky to have him, kind and big hearted man.”
In response, Flower reciprocated the sentiment, emphasizing the significance of the opportunity to inscribe a new chapter in the illustrious annals of RCB’s history. He underscored the privilege and excitement inherent in the task at hand, signaling a collective determination to embark on this journey with renewed vigor and determination.
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