From Ravi Shastri to Sunil Gavaskar, experts talk about RCB in IPL 2022

Royal Challengers Bangalore has always been one of the most-talked about teams in the IPL fabric. The team also boasts of one of the most ardent fanbases in the history of the tournament, despite failing to lay claim on the trophy.

Analysts have always talked about how the team has had several glorious moments and just ahead of the tournament’s start in 2022 for the franchise, they have something similar to share.

With a very strong batting line-up in their fold that features the likes of Virat Kohli and Faf du Plessis, experts have made it a point to showcase how this year actually holds an opportunity for the Challengers to put an end to their trophy droughts.

Let us quickly take a look at what the pundits had to say about the Challengers ahead of their opener against the Punjab Kings.

Ravi Shastri was heard praising Virat Kohli vociferously as he quoted, “I’m not sure what their middle order is like, but if they have a very good middle order, there’s no harm in Virat opening. If Virat Kohli opens in this IPL 2022, then I’m sure the Orange cap will be under threat.”

Sunil Gavaskar also insinuated about Virat Kohli returning with the imperious numbers that once adorned the former Indian captain. He was heard quoting, “When you are captain, you are thinking about 10 other players and sometimes also the other members of your squad, about their form or lack of form and things that they are not doing right which when they do it right, will be good for the team. This season, we might actually see the Kohli of 2016 where he got almost 1000 runs in the IPL season.”

Aakash Chopra was also heard talking about the Challengers as he further cited, “RCB look like a pretty good team. We might see Anuj Rawat opening with Faf. Du Plessis will be captaining Bangalore for the first time. In the batting, a lot will depend on Dinesh Karthik and Mahipal Lomror. If these two play well, things will be brilliant. Otherwise, (Glenn) Maxwell’s volatility might get exposed. That is going to be a concern.”

Former Australian opener, Matthew Hayden is also a believer in the Challengers supremacy as he was heard quoting, “pretty much like last year, I think RCB have a really good side.”