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<p>Virat Kohli's Royal Challengers Bangalore take on KL Rahul's 'unlucky' Kings XI Punjab in the 31st match of IPL 2020 at Sharjah Cricket Stadium.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Kings XI Punjab have had a woeful run this year. They currently sit at the bottom of the table with just one win (that came against Royal Challengers Bangalore) and six losses. However, the return of Universe Boss Chris Gayle on a ground like Sharjah might just do the trick for Punjab. KL Rahul and Co. need to win every match from now on to still make it into the playoffs. Kings XI have been unlucky this season. The last match, they almost won it against Kolkata Knight Riders but they crumbled in the final moments giving the match to KKR.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Royal Challengers Bangalore, on the other hand, have had a good run this year. They have been defeated twice this year, one of them was handed by Kings XI. AB de Villiers' blistering in Sharjah against Kolkata Knight Riders makes him lethal for Kings XI Punjab. Virat Kohli has also found his form and will be dangerous. RCB are currently standing on the third position in the points table, and win will take them to the second position.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The two teams have faced each other 25 times in the IPL so far, and KXIP leads the head-to-head count 13-12.</p>

<h2>Probable XI</h2>

<p><strong>KXIP:</strong>&nbsp;Chris Gayle, KL Rahul (c), Mayank Agarwal, Nicholas Pooran (wk), Glenn Maxwell, Mandeep Singh, Chris Jordan, Mohammed Shami, Murugan Ashwin/K Gowtham, Ravi Bishnoi, Arshdeep Singh</p>

<p><strong>RCB:</strong>&nbsp;Devdutt Padikkal, Aaron Finch, Virat Kohli (c), AB de Villiers (wk), Shivam Dube, Chris Morris, Isuru Udana, Washington Sundar, Navdeep Saini, Mohammed Siraj, Yuzvendra Chahal</p>


Virat Kohli's Royal Challengers Bangalore take on KL Rahul's 'unlucky' Kings XI Punjab in the 31st match of IPL 2020 at Sharjah Cricket Stadium. Kings XI Punjab have had a woeful run this year.

Virat Kohli's Royal Challengers Bangalore take on KL Rahul's 'unlucky' Kings XI Punjab in the 31st match of IPL 2020 at Sharjah Cricket Stadium. Kings XI Punjab have had a woeful run this year. They currently sit at the bottom of the table with just one win (that came against Royal Challengers Bangalore) and six losses. However, the return of Universe Boss Chris Gayle on a ground like Sharjah might just do the trick for Punjab. KL Rahul and Co. need to win every match from now on to still make it into the playoffs. Kings XI have been unlucky this season. The last match, they almost won it against Kolkata Knight Riders but they crumbled in the final moments giving the match to KKR. Royal Challengers Bangalore, on the other hand, have had a good run this year. They have been defeated twice this year, one of them was handed by Kings XI. AB de Villiers' blistering in Sharjah against Kolkata Knight Riders makes him lethal for Kings XI Punjab. Virat Kohli has also found his form and will be dangerous. RCB are currently standing on the third position in the points table, and win will take them to the second position. The two teams have faced each other 25 times in the IPL so far, and KXIP leads the head-to-head count 13-12. Probable XI KXIP: Chris Gayle, KL Rahul (c), Mayank Agarwal, Nicholas Pooran (wk), Glenn Maxwell, Mandeep Singh, Chris Jordan, Mohammed Shami, Murugan Ashwin/K Gowtham, Ravi Bishnoi, Arshdeep Singh RCB: Devdutt Padikkal, Aaron Finch, Virat Kohli (c), AB de Villiers (wk), Shivam Dube, Chris Morris, Isuru Udana, Washington Sundar, Navdeep Saini, Mohammed Siraj, Yuzvendra Chahal

IPL 2020, Kings XI Punjab vs Royal Challengers Bangalore: Preview, stats, probable XI

<p>RCB thrashed KKR by 78 runs in Match 28 of the 2020 IPL, at Sharjah. Bangalore got 194/2 largely due to AB de Villiers, who cut loose towards the end of the innings to finish on 73 not out, off just 33 balls. In response, Kolkata finished on 112/9, with only Shubman Gill (34 in 25) making a contribution. Chris Morris (4-0-17-2), Washington Sundar (4-0-20-2), and Yuzvendra Chahal (4-0-12-1) were Bangalore’s stars with the ball.</p>

<p>In My11 Circle Cricbuzz Live, Harsha Bhogle hailed de Villiers expressed his surprise at “genius” de Villiers having retired. “That was not an easy wicket,” he explained, making special mention of the fact that he had got those runs out of an unbroken 100-run partnership off 46 balls.</p>

<p>Kohli and de Villiers became the first pair to register 10 century partnerships in the history of the IPL. Gautam Bhimani mentioned how, unlike in most of the other nine stands, “very rarely would you see someone like a Virat Kohli having to play second fiddle.”</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2020-mid-season-transfer-window-players-list-eligibility-criteria-rules-and-more-333959" hreflang="en">IPL 2020 mid-season transfer window: Players list, eligibility criteria, rules and more</a></strong></p>

<p>De Villiers’ healed back has also allowed him to keep wickets. Bhogle mentioned how that, along with the return of Chris Morris, has made Bangalore a well-rounded side: “This was the team they wanted when they put the auction together,” predicting “this is the team that’s taking them to the Playoffs.”</p>

<p>Joy Bhattacharjya hailed the current Bangalore team as the best he has seen since 2016. He also pointed out how Bangalore won convincingly despite not requiring Shivam Dube to bat or bowl: “You had an all-rounder in reserve who was not necessary because the rest of the guys did their jobs, and that’s fantastic for them, because that means they still got something in their tank even after an 82-run win.”</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tendulkar-pathan-laud-indian-army-for-organising-womens-cricket-league-in-jammu-kashmir-335280" hreflang="en">Tendulkar, Pathan laud Indian Army for organising women's cricket league in Jammu &amp; Kashmir</a></strong></p>

<p>Bhogle made special mention of Virat Kohli’s influence on Washington Sundar: “I think he has discovered some belief in Washington Sundar… He’s being able to get the best out of him, he’s sending him up at number five, I think Washington Sundar goes to bed every day thinking ‘you know what, my captain likes me.’” With an economy rate of 4.90, Sundar has been one of the stars of the tournament.</p>

<p>With 10 points from 7 matches, Bangalore has caught up with Mumbai and Delhi, but Bangalore’s ordinary net run rate (-0.116) kept them at third place. With 8 points, Kolkata are at fourth place.</p>


RCB thrashed KKR by 78 runs in Match 28 of the 2020 IPL, at Sharjah. Bangalore got 194/2 largely due to AB de Villiers, who cut loose towards the end of the innings to finish on 73 not out, off just 33 balls.

RCB thrashed KKR by 78 runs in Match 28 of the 2020 IPL, at Sharjah. Bangalore got 194/2 largely due to AB de Villiers, who cut loose towards the end of the innings to finish on 73 not out, off just 33 balls. In response, Kolkata finished on 112/9, with only Shubman Gill (34 in 25) making a contribution. Chris Morris (4-0-17-2), Washington Sundar (4-0-20-2), and Yuzvendra Chahal (4-0-12-1) were Bangalore’s stars with the ball. In My11 Circle Cricbuzz Live, Harsha Bhogle hailed de Villiers expressed his surprise at “genius” de Villiers having retired. “That was not an easy wicket,” he explained, making special mention of the fact that he had got those runs out of an unbroken 100-run partnership off 46 balls. Kohli and de Villiers became the first pair to register 10 century partnerships in the history of the IPL. Gautam Bhimani mentioned how, unlike in most of the other nine stands, “very rarely would you see someone like a Virat Kohli having to play second fiddle.” ALSO READ: IPL 2020 mid-season transfer window: Players list, eligibility criteria, rules and more De Villiers’ healed back has also allowed him to keep wickets. Bhogle mentioned how that, along with the return of Chris Morris, has made Bangalore a well-rounded side: “This was the team they wanted when they put the auction together,” predicting “this is the team that’s taking them to the Playoffs.” Joy Bhattacharjya hailed the current Bangalore team as the best he has seen since 2016. He also pointed out how Bangalore won convincingly despite not requiring Shivam Dube to bat or bowl: “You had an all-rounder in reserve who was not necessary because the rest of the guys did their jobs, and that’s fantastic for them, because that means they still got something in their tank even after an 82-run win.” ALSO READ: Tendulkar, Pathan laud Indian Army for organising women's cricket league in Jammu & Kashmir Bhogle made special mention of Virat Kohli’s influence on Washington Sundar: “I think he has discovered some belief in Washington Sundar… He’s being able to get the best out of him, he’s sending him up at number five, I think Washington Sundar goes to bed every day thinking ‘you know what, my captain likes me.’” With an economy rate of 4.90, Sundar has been one of the stars of the tournament. With 10 points from 7 matches, Bangalore has caught up with Mumbai and Delhi, but Bangalore’s ordinary net run rate (-0.116) kept them at third place. With 8 points, Kolkata are at fourth place.

This is the team that’s taking Bangalore to the Playoffs: Harsha Bhogle

<p>AB de Villiers was adjudged the Player of the Match after his wonderful batting performance against Kolkata Knight Riders on Monday. His 73 runs off 33 balls, helped his team register a thumping victory over KKR.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/superman-virat-kohli-compliments-ab-de-villiers-innings-against-kkr-334979" hreflang="en">'Superman': Virat Kohli compliments AB de Villiers' innings against KKR</a></p>

<p>However, Rajasthan Royals star all-rounder Ben Stokes believes someone else was more deserving of the award. According to him, RCB leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal should have been declared the Player of the Match after his economical figures of 1/12 in four overs.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Ben Stokes took to Twitter and said: "In a batters game @yuzi_chahal should get MOM here,incredible figures especially as it’s in Sharjah".</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">In a batters game <a href="https://twitter.com/yuzi_chahal?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@yuzi_chahal</a> should get MOM here,incredible figures especially as it’s in Sharjah 👏</p>
— Ben Stokes (@benstokes38) <a href="https://twitter.com/benstokes38/status/1315704384202956802?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 12, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p>Chahal has been an asset to RCB this season. He has scalped 10 wickets from seven matches for the franchise. Despite his figures of 1/48 against Mumbai Indians, Chahal has maintained a decent economy rate.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/game-needs-you-back-ravi-shastris-special-message-for-ab-de-villiers-334974" hreflang="en">'Game needs you back': Ravi Shastri's special message for AB de Villiers</a></p>

<p>Ravi Shastri and Virat Kohli also praised the South African for his blistering innings against KKR.&nbsp;</p>


AB de Villiers was adjudged the Player of the Match after his wonderful batting performance against Kolkata Knight Riders on Monday. His 73 runs off 33 balls, helped his team register a thumping victory over KKR.

AB de Villiers was adjudged the Player of the Match after his wonderful batting performance against Kolkata Knight Riders on Monday. His 73 runs off 33 balls, helped his team register a thumping victory over KKR. Also read: 'Superman': Virat Kohli compliments AB de Villiers' innings against KKR However, Rajasthan Royals star all-rounder Ben Stokes believes someone else was more deserving of the award. According to him, RCB leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal should have been declared the Player of the Match after his economical figures of 1/12 in four overs. Ben Stokes took to Twitter and said: "In a batters game @yuzi_chahal should get MOM here,incredible figures especially as it’s in Sharjah". In a batters game @yuzi_chahal should get MOM here,incredible figures especially as it’s in Sharjah 👏 — Ben Stokes (@benstokes38) October 12, 2020 × Chahal has been an asset to RCB this season. He has scalped 10 wickets from seven matches for the franchise. Despite his figures of 1/48 against Mumbai Indians, Chahal has maintained a decent economy rate. Also read: 'Game needs you back': Ravi Shastri's special message for AB de Villiers Ravi Shastri and Virat Kohli also praised the South African for his blistering innings against KKR.

IPL 2020: Ben Stokes says this RCB player should have been the Man of the Match instead of ABD

<p>RCB skipper called his fellow batsman AB de Villiers for his genius innings against KKR on Monday. The South African's 73 runs off 33 balls powered the Royal Challengers to 194.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/game-needs-you-back-ravi-shastris-special-message-for-ab-de-villiers-334974" hreflang="en">'Game needs you back': Ravi Shastri's special message for AB de Villiers</a></p>

<p>Aussie spearhead Pat Cummins had given away 19 runs in his first three overs but he ended up conceding 38 runs after four overs after de Villiers smacked two sixes and a four in the 17th over of the Bangalore innings.</p>

<p>“Barring one superhuman, every batsman struggled on the pitch,” India captain Kohli, who will take his team to Australia for a full series later this year, said of de Villiers after the match in Sharjah.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2020-de-villiers-and-bowlers-shine-as-rcb-thrash-kkr-by-82-runs-334833" hreflang="en">IPL 2020: de Villiers and bowlers shine as RCB thrash KKR by 82 runs</a></p>

<p>“Only AB can do what he did. It was a fabulous knock. We were looking at 160-165, and it was only thanks to his genius we got to 194.</p>

<p>“I was happy we could string together a partnership, and mine was the best seat to watch from,” said Kohli, who was content playing second fiddle to the South African with an unbeaten 33.</p>

<p>Royal Challengers Bangalore went on to win a massive 82-run win against the Kolkata Knight Riders and currently are third in the points table.</p>


RCB skipper called his fellow batsman AB de Villiers for his genius innings against KKR on Monday. The South African's 73 runs off 33 balls powered the Royal Challengers to 194.

RCB skipper called his fellow batsman AB de Villiers for his genius innings against KKR on Monday. The South African's 73 runs off 33 balls powered the Royal Challengers to 194. Also read: 'Game needs you back': Ravi Shastri's special message for AB de Villiers Aussie spearhead Pat Cummins had given away 19 runs in his first three overs but he ended up conceding 38 runs after four overs after de Villiers smacked two sixes and a four in the 17th over of the Bangalore innings. “Barring one superhuman, every batsman struggled on the pitch,” India captain Kohli, who will take his team to Australia for a full series later this year, said of de Villiers after the match in Sharjah. Also read: IPL 2020: de Villiers and bowlers shine as RCB thrash KKR by 82 runs “Only AB can do what he did. It was a fabulous knock. We were looking at 160-165, and it was only thanks to his genius we got to 194. “I was happy we could string together a partnership, and mine was the best seat to watch from,” said Kohli, who was content playing second fiddle to the South African with an unbeaten 33. Royal Challengers Bangalore went on to win a massive 82-run win against the Kolkata Knight Riders and currently are third in the points table.

'Superman': Virat Kohli compliments AB de Villiers' innings against KKR

<p>De Villiers played a crucial role in Royal Challengers' victory against the Kolkata Knight Riders at Sharjah Cricket Stadium after smashing 73 runs off 33 balls (not out) on Monday. His blistering batting performance powered RCB to 194.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2020-de-villiers-and-bowlers-shine-as-rcb-thrash-kkr-by-82-runs-334833" hreflang="en">IPL 2020: de Villiers and bowlers shine as RCB thrash KKR by 82 runs</a></p>

<p>Indian head coach Ravi Shastri praised De Villers' batting against KKR and urged him to nd his retirement and return to play international cricket for South Africa.</p>

<p>He took to Twitter and wrote: "Now, that the penny has dropped. What one saw last night was unreal. And the feeling is the same waking up. @ABdeVilliers17, the game in these trying times or otherwise needs you back in the international arena and out of retirement. The game will be better off".</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Now, that the penny has dropped. What one saw last night was unreal. And the feeling is the same waking up. <a href="https://twitter.com/ABdeVilliers17?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ABdeVilliers17</a>, the game in these trying times or otherwise needs you back in the international arena and out of retirement. The game will be better off <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RCBvKKR?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RCBvKKR</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IPL2020?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IPL2020</a> <a href="https://t.co/s9BG6MxiCv">pic.twitter.com/s9BG6MxiCv</a></p>
— Ravi Shastri (@RaviShastriOfc) <a href="https://twitter.com/RaviShastriOfc/status/1315872123580305409?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 13, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p>The South African announced his retirement from international cricket in May of 2018. The news came as a major hit to the Proteas side that they ended seventh in the 2019 ICC World Cup. However, De Villiers offered to come out of retirement to help the team before the 2019 World Cup. But the SA management including captain du Plessis and head coach Ottis Gibson had turned it down because they felt it would be unfair on those who had worked hard to make it to SA's World Cup squad.</p>


De Villiers played a crucial role in Royal Challengers' victory against the Kolkata Knight Riders at Sharjah Cricket Stadium after smashing 73 runs off 33 balls (not out) on Monday.

De Villiers played a crucial role in Royal Challengers' victory against the Kolkata Knight Riders at Sharjah Cricket Stadium after smashing 73 runs off 33 balls (not out) on Monday. His blistering batting performance powered RCB to 194. Also read: IPL 2020: de Villiers and bowlers shine as RCB thrash KKR by 82 runs Indian head coach Ravi Shastri praised De Villers' batting against KKR and urged him to nd his retirement and return to play international cricket for South Africa. He took to Twitter and wrote: "Now, that the penny has dropped. What one saw last night was unreal. And the feeling is the same waking up. @ABdeVilliers17, the game in these trying times or otherwise needs you back in the international arena and out of retirement. The game will be better off". Now, that the penny has dropped. What one saw last night was unreal. And the feeling is the same waking up. @ABdeVilliers17, the game in these trying times or otherwise needs you back in the international arena and out of retirement. The game will be better off #RCBvKKR #IPL2020 pic.twitter.com/s9BG6MxiCv — Ravi Shastri (@RaviShastriOfc) October 13, 2020 × The South African announced his retirement from international cricket in May of 2018. The news came as a major hit to the Proteas side that they ended seventh in the 2019 ICC World Cup. However, De Villiers offered to come out of retirement to help the team before the 2019 World Cup. But the SA management including captain du Plessis and head coach Ottis Gibson had turned it down because they felt it would be unfair on those who had worked hard to make it to SA's World Cup squad.

'Game needs you back': Ravi Shastri's special message for AB de Villiers

<p>Royal Challengers Bangalore beat Kolkata Knight Riders by 82 runs in the 28th match of IPL 2020 at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Royal Challengers Bangalore won the toss and chose to bat first. Padikkal and Finch gave a good start to the Royals. Virat Kohli seemed out of touch as he just hit one ball to the boundary. Finch hit 47 runs off 37 balls. Padikkal was the first man to depart. He scored 32 runs off 23 balls. However, the pace was slow until De Villiers arrived. AB de Villiers' 73 runs off 33 balls single-handedly powered the Challengers to 194 runs. The bowlers initially showed discipline restricting batsmen from hitting boundaries until AB de Villiers arrived. &nbsp;</p>

<p>Kolkata Knight Riders were off to a slow start and lost too many wickets at the beginning itself. Debutant Tom Banton was the first to depart after being bowled by Saini. Shubman Gill scored the most of the runs for KKR after scoring 34 runs off 25 balls. However, KKR kept losing wickets putting the pressure on the remaining batsmen. Andre Russell tried hitting the shots across the boundaries but ended up losing his wicket too. Chris Morris, Washington Sundar and Yuzvendra Chahal played a vital role in restricting KKR to 112/9.&nbsp;</p>

<p>With this massive win, RCB manages to compensate their mammoth NRR loss they suffered against KXIP. They now sit on the third position pushing the Knight Riders to the fifth in the points table.&nbsp;</p>

<p>AB de Villiers was named the Player of the Match for his blistering batting performance.</p>


Royal Challengers Bangalore beat Kolkata Knight Riders by 82 runs in the 28th match of IPL 2020 at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium. Royal Challengers Bangalore won the toss and chose to bat first.

Royal Challengers Bangalore beat Kolkata Knight Riders by 82 runs in the 28th match of IPL 2020 at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium. Royal Challengers Bangalore won the toss and chose to bat first. Padikkal and Finch gave a good start to the Royals. Virat Kohli seemed out of touch as he just hit one ball to the boundary. Finch hit 47 runs off 37 balls. Padikkal was the first man to depart. He scored 32 runs off 23 balls. However, the pace was slow until De Villiers arrived. AB de Villiers' 73 runs off 33 balls single-handedly powered the Challengers to 194 runs. The bowlers initially showed discipline restricting batsmen from hitting boundaries until AB de Villiers arrived. Kolkata Knight Riders were off to a slow start and lost too many wickets at the beginning itself. Debutant Tom Banton was the first to depart after being bowled by Saini. Shubman Gill scored the most of the runs for KKR after scoring 34 runs off 25 balls. However, KKR kept losing wickets putting the pressure on the remaining batsmen. Andre Russell tried hitting the shots across the boundaries but ended up losing his wicket too. Chris Morris, Washington Sundar and Yuzvendra Chahal played a vital role in restricting KKR to 112/9. With this massive win, RCB manages to compensate their mammoth NRR loss they suffered against KXIP. They now sit on the third position pushing the Knight Riders to the fifth in the points table. AB de Villiers was named the Player of the Match for his blistering batting performance.

IPL 2020: de Villiers and bowlers shine as RCB thrash KKR by 82 runs

<p>As Royal Challengers Bangalore gear up to face Chennai Super Kings in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/ipl">Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020</a>, AB de Villiers on Saturday said that RCB is not too far away from reaching their peak performance in the T20 tournament.</p>

<p>De Villiers, who has accumulated 155 runs in five IPL 2020 matches so far, pointed out that the Bangalore outfit has gotten off to a decent start. RCB have won three matches in their five games in IPL 2020 and are sitting fifth in the IPL 2020 standings.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We got a decent start, a couple of disappointing performances but all in all we are not far off from our best and I think we know what is required to get the momentum going. I have been feeling alright in the last five matches, I did not have a good game in the last match of ours, I will be focusing on getting the swing of things," De Villiers said in a video posted on the official handle of RCB.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2020-sehwag-slams-kxip-star-and-questions-franchise-for-going-after-him-334236" hreflang="en">IPL 2020: Sehwag slams KXIP star and questions franchise for going after him</a></strong></p>

<p>Whereas RCB’s Simon Katich said that the couple of days’ break has allowed the players to regroup and prepare for the match against CSK while adding RCB are aiming to win upcoming matches and get on a roll.</p>

<p>"We have had a good couple of days to regroup and also prepare. I think in terms of this week, it has been good to analyze what has gone well for us and where we need to improve on. We are trying to see the upcoming games as an opportunity to set up our season. Hopefully, we can get on a roll," Simon Katich said.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/he-is-somebody-who-disappoints-kevin-pietersen-lashes-out-at-young-indian-batsman-334226" hreflang="en">'He is somebody who disappoints': Kevin Pietersen lashes out at young Indian batsman</a></strong></p>

<p>"CSK is a very proud franchise, and this is an opportunity for us to test ourselves against them. Regardless of who we are playing, when you are coming against Dhoni and his crew, it will be a really good challenge for us. We know its a big game against CSK, we have had three days to prepare for this game. We have a squad, we have plenty of options and if we feel there is a need to rotate guys because of fatigue or through injury, then we have guys who can step in," he added.<br />
&nbsp;</p>


As Royal Challengers Bangalore gear up to face Chennai Super Kings in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020, AB de Villiers on Saturday said that RCB is not too far away from reaching their peak performance in the T20 tournament.

As Royal Challengers Bangalore gear up to face Chennai Super Kings in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020, AB de Villiers on Saturday said that RCB is not too far away from reaching their peak performance in the T20 tournament. De Villiers, who has accumulated 155 runs in five IPL 2020 matches so far, pointed out that the Bangalore outfit has gotten off to a decent start. RCB have won three matches in their five games in IPL 2020 and are sitting fifth in the IPL 2020 standings. "We got a decent start, a couple of disappointing performances but all in all we are not far off from our best and I think we know what is required to get the momentum going. I have been feeling alright in the last five matches, I did not have a good game in the last match of ours, I will be focusing on getting the swing of things," De Villiers said in a video posted on the official handle of RCB. ALSO READ: IPL 2020: Sehwag slams KXIP star and questions franchise for going after him Whereas RCB’s Simon Katich said that the couple of days’ break has allowed the players to regroup and prepare for the match against CSK while adding RCB are aiming to win upcoming matches and get on a roll. "We have had a good couple of days to regroup and also prepare. I think in terms of this week, it has been good to analyze what has gone well for us and where we need to improve on. We are trying to see the upcoming games as an opportunity to set up our season. Hopefully, we can get on a roll," Simon Katich said. ALSO READ: 'He is somebody who disappoints': Kevin Pietersen lashes out at young Indian batsman "CSK is a very proud franchise, and this is an opportunity for us to test ourselves against them. Regardless of who we are playing, when you are coming against Dhoni and his crew, it will be a really good challenge for us. We know its a big game against CSK, we have had three days to prepare for this game. We have a squad, we have plenty of options and if we feel there is a need to rotate guys because of fatigue or through injury, then we have guys who can step in," he added.

IPL 2020: AB de Villiers reckons RCB are 'not far off from their best'

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<p>Steve Smith's Rajasthan Royals take on Virat Kohli's Royal Challengers Bangalore at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi on Saturday. It will be the first double-header in the IPL 2020.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2020-sky-is-the-limit-for-mumbai-indians-in-last-four-overs-says-kieron-pollard-332009" hreflang="en">IPL 2020: Sky is the limit for Mumbai Indians in last four overs, says Kieron Pollard</a></p>

<p>Rajasthan Royals started their campaign at a high after beating Chennai Super Kings and Kings XI Punjab in a high scoring thriller. However, their recent loss to Sunrisers saw them slip to the fifth spot in the points table. Steve Smith will be trying and hoping to get back to winning ways. With the news of Ben Stokes' arrival, the Rajasthan will be overjoyed, but the star all-rounder will still be a missing couple of matches.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Royal Challengers on the other hand have had some tipsy matches. They too started their campaign with a win against the Sunrisers Hyderabad, but soon lost the momentum as they faced a massive 97 runs loss to Kings XI Punjab. However, their nail-biting super over finish against Mumbai brought them back to the winning ways. Royal Challengers will be looking forward to keeping up the momentum. They are currently sixth in the IPL 2020 points table.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The match is to be played in Abu Dhabi, none of the teams have played a match here before. But the similarities to the Dubai stadium might provide a minor edge to the Royal Challengers Bangalore. Dew in the afternoon clash is not to be expected.&nbsp;</p>

<p>RCB's Navdeep Saini had a heroic super over spell against the Mumbai Indians, he is sure to work well against the Royals too.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Jofra Archer for Royals has been efficient with both the bat and the ball. His seam will be troubling the likes of Virat Kohli, Finch and ABD.&nbsp;</p>

<p>AB de Villiers has been in form for the Royal Challengers and has come to save the day in every match. He, along with Shivam Dube is expected to smash the balls across the fence tonight.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Sanju Samson and Steve Smith have been crucial for the Royals. These batsmen will be looking to pose or even chase down a score above 170 on this ground.&nbsp;</p>

<p>RCB skipper Virat Kohli has hit a rough patch in this year's Indian Premier League. But this could be the match where 'King Kohli' finds his form.&nbsp;</p>

<h2>Probable XI</h2>

<p><strong>Royal Challengers Bangalore:</strong>&nbsp;Devdutt Padikkal, Aaron Finch, Virat Kohli (c), AB de Villiers (wk), Shivam Dube, Gurkeerat Singh Mann, Isuru Udana, Washington Sundar, Adam Zampa, Navdeep Saini, Yuzvendra Chahal</p>

<p><strong>Rajasthan Royals:&nbsp;</strong>&nbsp;Yashasvi Jaiswal, Jos Buttler (wk), Sanju Samson, Steve Smith (c), Rahul Tewatia, Riyan Parag, Tom Curran, Jofra Archer, Shreyas Gopal, Ankit Rajpoot, Jaydev Unadkat</p>

<h2>Head-to-head stats:&nbsp;</h2>

<p>The two teams have faced each other 20 times in the IPL so far, and RR holds a 10-8 head-to-head win/loss record over RCB, with two games washed out.</p>


Steve Smith's Rajasthan Royals take on Virat Kohli's Royal Challengers Bangalore at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi on Saturday. It will be the first double-header in the IPL 2020.

Steve Smith's Rajasthan Royals take on Virat Kohli's Royal Challengers Bangalore at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi on Saturday. It will be the first double-header in the IPL 2020. Also read: IPL 2020: Sky is the limit for Mumbai Indians in last four overs, says Kieron Pollard Rajasthan Royals started their campaign at a high after beating Chennai Super Kings and Kings XI Punjab in a high scoring thriller. However, their recent loss to Sunrisers saw them slip to the fifth spot in the points table. Steve Smith will be trying and hoping to get back to winning ways. With the news of Ben Stokes' arrival, the Rajasthan will be overjoyed, but the star all-rounder will still be a missing couple of matches. Royal Challengers on the other hand have had some tipsy matches. They too started their campaign with a win against the Sunrisers Hyderabad, but soon lost the momentum as they faced a massive 97 runs loss to Kings XI Punjab. However, their nail-biting super over finish against Mumbai brought them back to the winning ways. Royal Challengers will be looking forward to keeping up the momentum. They are currently sixth in the IPL 2020 points table. The match is to be played in Abu Dhabi, none of the teams have played a match here before. But the similarities to the Dubai stadium might provide a minor edge to the Royal Challengers Bangalore. Dew in the afternoon clash is not to be expected. RCB's Navdeep Saini had a heroic super over spell against the Mumbai Indians, he is sure to work well against the Royals too. Jofra Archer for Royals has been efficient with both the bat and the ball. His seam will be troubling the likes of Virat Kohli, Finch and ABD. AB de Villiers has been in form for the Royal Challengers and has come to save the day in every match. He, along with Shivam Dube is expected to smash the balls across the fence tonight. Sanju Samson and Steve Smith have been crucial for the Royals. These batsmen will be looking to pose or even chase down a score above 170 on this ground. RCB skipper Virat Kohli has hit a rough patch in this year's Indian Premier League. But this could be the match where 'King Kohli' finds his form. Probable XI Royal Challengers Bangalore: Devdutt Padikkal, Aaron Finch, Virat Kohli (c), AB de Villiers (wk), Shivam Dube, Gurkeerat Singh Mann, Isuru Udana, Washington Sundar, Adam Zampa, Navdeep Saini, Yuzvendra Chahal Rajasthan Royals: Yashasvi Jaiswal, Jos Buttler (wk), Sanju Samson, Steve Smith (c), Rahul Tewatia, Riyan Parag, Tom Curran, Jofra Archer, Shreyas Gopal, Ankit Rajpoot, Jaydev Unadkat Head-to-head stats: The two teams have faced each other 20 times in the IPL so far, and RR holds a 10-8 head-to-head win/loss record over RCB, with two games washed out.

IPL 2020, Royal Challengers Bangalore vs Rajasthan Royals: Preview, stats and players to watch out for

<p>Royal Challengers Bangalore seal their second win in IPL 2020 after beating Mumbai Indians in super over on Monday at the Dubai International Stadium in Dubai. Another day, another thrilling match in IPL 2020.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2020-rcb-vs-mi-highlights-rcb-beat-mi-in-super-over-330894">IPL 2020, RCB vs MI highlights: RCB beat MI in super over</a></p>

<p>Mumbai Indians won the toss and chose to field. The decision immediately backfired after Devdutt Padikkal and Aaron Finch were off to a flyer. Both openers put up a partnership of 81 runs in just first 9 overs. However, the Finch got out right after his half-century. RCB skipper Virat Kohli's woeful run in IPL 2020 continued as he got out on a single-digit yet again. But, Padikkal and de Villiers quick-fire partnership and half centuries kept RCB in front. Dube graced Bangalore innings by smashing three sixes in the final over helping the Challengers breach the 200-mark. By the end of first innings, RCB were 201/3.</p>

<p><strong>IN PICS|&nbsp;</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/ipl-2020-high-scoring-thriller-between-kings-xi-punjab-and-rajasthan-royals-in-pictures-330930" hreflang="en">IPL 2020: High scoring thriller between Kings XI Punjab and Rajasthan Royals in pictures</a></p>

<p>Mumbai were off to a promising start as RCB conceded 14 runs in the first over. However, back-to-back wickets in two overs but RCB back in the game. Hardik Pandya and Ishan Kishan tried to take the innings forward but the partnership broke when Adam Zampa removed Hardik Pandya. But the 100-run partnership between Kishan and Pollard kept Mumbai in the game and made a brilliant comeback to take the lost match into the super over. Ishan Kishan got out on 99 but Pollard's pull took the ball to a boundary to ensure a super over.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In the super over, Navdeep Saini restricted the Mumbai Indians to 7 runs. Bumrah for Mumbai Indians failed to stop the Royal Challengers batsmen from scoring 8 runs in the over.</p>


Royal Challengers Bangalore seal their second win in IPL 2020 after beating Mumbai Indians in super over on Monday at the Dubai International Stadium in Dubai. Another day, another thrilling match in IPL 2020.

Royal Challengers Bangalore seal their second win in IPL 2020 after beating Mumbai Indians in super over on Monday at the Dubai International Stadium in Dubai. Another day, another thrilling match in IPL 2020. Also read: IPL 2020, RCB vs MI highlights: RCB beat MI in super over Mumbai Indians won the toss and chose to field. The decision immediately backfired after Devdutt Padikkal and Aaron Finch were off to a flyer. Both openers put up a partnership of 81 runs in just first 9 overs. However, the Finch got out right after his half-century. RCB skipper Virat Kohli's woeful run in IPL 2020 continued as he got out on a single-digit yet again. But, Padikkal and de Villiers quick-fire partnership and half centuries kept RCB in front. Dube graced Bangalore innings by smashing three sixes in the final over helping the Challengers breach the 200-mark. By the end of first innings, RCB were 201/3. IN PICS| IPL 2020: High scoring thriller between Kings XI Punjab and Rajasthan Royals in pictures Mumbai were off to a promising start as RCB conceded 14 runs in the first over. However, back-to-back wickets in two overs but RCB back in the game. Hardik Pandya and Ishan Kishan tried to take the innings forward but the partnership broke when Adam Zampa removed Hardik Pandya. But the 100-run partnership between Kishan and Pollard kept Mumbai in the game and made a brilliant comeback to take the lost match into the super over. Ishan Kishan got out on 99 but Pollard's pull took the ball to a boundary to ensure a super over. In the super over, Navdeep Saini restricted the Mumbai Indians to 7 runs. Bumrah for Mumbai Indians failed to stop the Royal Challengers batsmen from scoring 8 runs in the over.

IPL 2020: Royal Challengers Bangalore beat Mumbai Indians in super over

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<p>Virat's Royal Challengers Bangalore will take on Rohit's Mumbai Indians in the match 10 of IPL 2020 on Monday in the Dubai International Stadium.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2020-rr-beat-kxip-to-highest-successful-run-chase-in-ipl-history-330774" hreflang="en">IPL 2020: RR beat KXIP in&nbsp;highest successful run chase in IPL history</a></p>

<p>RCB started their IPL campaign well after securing a victory against Sunrisers, but they also witnessed a disappointing defeat in their second match against KXIP. However, they will want to get back to winning ways after beating the mighty Mumbai.&nbsp;</p>

<p><b>In pics:&nbsp;</b><a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/ipl-2020-action-in-pictures-as-grand-festival-of-cricket-starts-in-uae-328877" hreflang="en">IPL 2020: Action in pictures as 'grand festival' of cricket starts in UAE</a></p>

<p>Mumbai did not have an ideal start this year, they lost their first match against CSK, but they bounced back after beating Dinesh Karthik's KKR. MI will be looking to keep up the momentum.</p>

<p>MI and RCB have faced each other 25 times in the IPL so far and the defending champion Mumbai leads by a huge margin of 16-9 victories. Mumbai have dominated in the last five encounters with Bangalore as they beat RCB four times.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The reverse fixture will be played in the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi on October 28.&nbsp;</p>

<h2>Probable XI</h2>

<p><strong>Mumbai Indians:</strong>&nbsp;Rohit Sharma (c), Quinton de Kock (wk), Suryakumar Yadav, Saurabh Tiwary, Hardik Pandya, Kieron Pollard, Krunal Pandya, Trent Boult, James Pattinson, Rahul Chahar, Jasprit Bumrah&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Royal Challengers Bangalore:</strong>&nbsp;Devdutt Padikkal, Aaron Finch, Virat Kohli (c), AB de Villiers, Shivam Dube, Moeen Ali, Dale Steyn, Washington Sundar, Navdeep Saini, Mohammed Siraj, Yuzvendra Chahal&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>


Virat's Royal Challengers Bangalore will take on Rohit's Mumbai Indians in the match 10 of IPL 2020 on Monday in the Dubai International Stadium. Also read: IPL 2020: RR beat KXIP in highest successful run chase in IPL history RCB started their IPL campaign well after securing a victory against Sunrisers, but they also witnessed a disappointing defeat in their second match against KXIP.

Virat's Royal Challengers Bangalore will take on Rohit's Mumbai Indians in the match 10 of IPL 2020 on Monday in the Dubai International Stadium. Also read: IPL 2020: RR beat KXIP in highest successful run chase in IPL history RCB started their IPL campaign well after securing a victory against Sunrisers, but they also witnessed a disappointing defeat in their second match against KXIP. However, they will want to get back to winning ways after beating the mighty Mumbai. In pics: IPL 2020: Action in pictures as 'grand festival' of cricket starts in UAE Mumbai did not have an ideal start this year, they lost their first match against CSK, but they bounced back after beating Dinesh Karthik's KKR. MI will be looking to keep up the momentum. MI and RCB have faced each other 25 times in the IPL so far and the defending champion Mumbai leads by a huge margin of 16-9 victories. Mumbai have dominated in the last five encounters with Bangalore as they beat RCB four times. The reverse fixture will be played in the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi on October 28. Probable XI Mumbai Indians: Rohit Sharma (c), Quinton de Kock (wk), Suryakumar Yadav, Saurabh Tiwary, Hardik Pandya, Kieron Pollard, Krunal Pandya, Trent Boult, James Pattinson, Rahul Chahar, Jasprit Bumrah Royal Challengers Bangalore: Devdutt Padikkal, Aaron Finch, Virat Kohli (c), AB de Villiers, Shivam Dube, Moeen Ali, Dale Steyn, Washington Sundar, Navdeep Saini, Mohammed Siraj, Yuzvendra Chahal

IPL 2020, Royal Challengers Bangalore vs Mumbai Indians: Preview and stats

<p>Royal Challengers Bangalore are set to lock horns with Sunrisers Hyderabad in the third match of Indian Premier League at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Monday.&nbsp;</p>

<p><b>Also read:&nbsp;</b><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/srh-vs-rcb-ipl-2020-live-streaming-when-and-where-to-watch-sunrisers-hyderabad-vs-royal-challengers-bangalore-329172" hreflang="en">SRH vs RCB, IPL 2020 Live Streaming: When and where to watch Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Royal Challengers Bangalore?</a></p>

<p>RCB has one of the strongest batting lineups this season. With Aaron Finch's aggression, Virat Kohli's consistency and AB de Villiers variety, the batting department could win the franchise many matches. However, Kevin Pietersen, a former English and RCB batsman, has pointed out a weak link of the team.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to Pietersen, RCB lacks quality in their bowling contingent. The team's bowling department consists of Dale Steyn, Adam Zampa, Yuzvendra Chahal, Umesh Yadav, Navdeep Saini and Mohammed Siraj.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2020-sunrisers-hyderabad-vs-royal-challengers-bangalore-preview-stats-players-to-watchout-for-329134" hreflang="en">IPL 2020- Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Royal Challengers Bangalore: Preview, stats, players to watchout for</a></p>

<p>“I don’t know how many IPLs I have done now, sitting here and previewing every single one of them. It’s always that question about RCB and can they do it. Now, they are proven performers with the bat, they can bat and are brilliant with the bat. They have the greatest batsman, the greatest modern-day batsman that’s in their team, they’ve got the second greatest modern-day batman that’s in their team as well,” said Pietersen on Star Sports’ Cricket LIVE.</p>

<p>“They form a formidable batting partnership and I stress the batting partnership because what they’ve lacked is bowlers. Last year, when Dale Steyn came over, having lost a number of games in a row, they got a fast bowler and they started to win a couple of games. So, the strength and depth that they would have brought into that, the acquisition of Adam Zampa as well has been good,” he further added.</p>


Royal Challengers Bangalore are set to lock horns with Sunrisers Hyderabad in the third match of Indian Premier League at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Monday.

Royal Challengers Bangalore are set to lock horns with Sunrisers Hyderabad in the third match of Indian Premier League at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Monday. Also read: SRH vs RCB, IPL 2020 Live Streaming: When and where to watch Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Royal Challengers Bangalore? RCB has one of the strongest batting lineups this season. With Aaron Finch's aggression, Virat Kohli's consistency and AB de Villiers variety, the batting department could win the franchise many matches. However, Kevin Pietersen, a former English and RCB batsman, has pointed out a weak link of the team. According to Pietersen, RCB lacks quality in their bowling contingent. The team's bowling department consists of Dale Steyn, Adam Zampa, Yuzvendra Chahal, Umesh Yadav, Navdeep Saini and Mohammed Siraj. Also read: IPL 2020- Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Royal Challengers Bangalore: Preview, stats, players to watchout for “I don’t know how many IPLs I have done now, sitting here and previewing every single one of them. It’s always that question about RCB and can they do it. Now, they are proven performers with the bat, they can bat and are brilliant with the bat. They have the greatest batsman, the greatest modern-day batsman that’s in their team, they’ve got the second greatest modern-day batman that’s in their team as well,” said Pietersen on Star Sports’ Cricket LIVE. “They form a formidable batting partnership and I stress the batting partnership because what they’ve lacked is bowlers. Last year, when Dale Steyn came over, having lost a number of games in a row, they got a fast bowler and they started to win a couple of games. So, the strength and depth that they would have brought into that, the acquisition of Adam Zampa as well has been good,” he further added.

'They've lacked in..': Kevin Pietersen points out a flaw in RCB's lineup

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<p>Virat Kohli's Royal Challengers Bangalore are set to lock horns with David Warner's Sunrisers Hyderabad in the third match of Indian Premier League at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Monday.</p>

<p><strong>IN PICS:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/ipl-2020-action-in-pictures-as-grand-festival-of-cricket-starts-in-uae-328877" hreflang="en">IPL 2020: Action in pictures as 'grand festival' of cricket starts in UAE</a></p>

<p>Talking about the head-to-head stats, SRH and RCB have faced each other 15 times in the IPL so far and the Hyderabad-based team currently leads the head-to-head 8-6. One match was abandoned due to rain.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2020-rabada-and-stoinis-shine-as-delhi-capitals-beat-kings-xi-punjab-in-super-over-329001" hreflang="en">IPL 2020: Rabada and Stoinis shine as Delhi Capitals beat Kings XI Punjab in super over</a></p>

<p>Both the teams will heavily rely on their bowlers this season as it is not easy scoring in Dubai International Stadium and a score of around 160-170 is expected from the match. The team batting second have found it very difficult to chase the scores on this ground in recent years.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, RCB bowlers will be facing the best batting duo of last season David Warner and Jonny Bairstow. Yuzvendra Chahal could be the crucial player for the Royal Challengers Bangalore as he is the team's leading wicket-taker. Chahal could be Kohli's trump card looking at the pitches in UAE.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Afghanistan's spinner Rashid Khan could be David Warner's trump card in the match. His prolific T20 records will ensure his place in tonight's playing XI.&nbsp;</p>

<p>SRH could include 18-year-old Abdul Samad in the clash after his successful run in Ranji Trophy 2019. The teen has slammed 36 sixes and scored 592 runs at the strike-rate of close to 113.</p>

<p>Virat Kohli will be leading RCB's batting department. Aaron Finch, if picked in the XI, Aaron Finch will be playing for his 8th franchise in the IPL in his 10th season. SRH's bowling unit have great records against RCB. Sandeep Sharma scalped 21 wickets in 12 matches against RCB. The young paceman has dismissed Kohli six times and de Villiers twice.</p>

<p>Bhuvneshwar Kumar, a spearhead of SRH's bowling unit, has taken 133 wickets in IPL could play a vital role for the team.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>AB de Villiers, also known as Mr 360, is just one six away to complete 200 IPL sixes. RCB skipper Kohli is 88 runs to complete 5500 IPL runs. SRH's speedster Siddarth Kaul is just one wicket away to complete 50 wickets in IPL.&nbsp;</p>

<h2>Expected Playing XI</h2>

<p><strong>Sunrisers Hyderabad:</strong>&nbsp;David Warner (C), Jonny Bairstow (WK), Manish Pandey, Virat Singh, Vijay Shankar, Abdul Samad, Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Khaleel Ahmed, Sandeep Sharma</p>

<p><strong>Royal Challengers Bangalore:</strong>&nbsp;Aaron Finch, Parthiv Patel, Virat Kohli (C), AB de Villiers, Gurkeerat Singh, Shivam Dube, Washington Sundar, Chris Morris, Dale Steyn, Navdeep Saini, Yuzvendra Chahal&nbsp;</p>


Virat Kohli's Royal Challengers Bangalore are set to lock horns with David Warner's Sunrisers Hyderabad in the third match of Indian Premier League at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Monday.

Virat Kohli's Royal Challengers Bangalore are set to lock horns with David Warner's Sunrisers Hyderabad in the third match of Indian Premier League at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Monday. IN PICS: IPL 2020: Action in pictures as 'grand festival' of cricket starts in UAE Talking about the head-to-head stats, SRH and RCB have faced each other 15 times in the IPL so far and the Hyderabad-based team currently leads the head-to-head 8-6. One match was abandoned due to rain. Also read: IPL 2020: Rabada and Stoinis shine as Delhi Capitals beat Kings XI Punjab in super over Both the teams will heavily rely on their bowlers this season as it is not easy scoring in Dubai International Stadium and a score of around 160-170 is expected from the match. The team batting second have found it very difficult to chase the scores on this ground in recent years. However, RCB bowlers will be facing the best batting duo of last season David Warner and Jonny Bairstow. Yuzvendra Chahal could be the crucial player for the Royal Challengers Bangalore as he is the team's leading wicket-taker. Chahal could be Kohli's trump card looking at the pitches in UAE. Afghanistan's spinner Rashid Khan could be David Warner's trump card in the match. His prolific T20 records will ensure his place in tonight's playing XI. SRH could include 18-year-old Abdul Samad in the clash after his successful run in Ranji Trophy 2019. The teen has slammed 36 sixes and scored 592 runs at the strike-rate of close to 113. Virat Kohli will be leading RCB's batting department. Aaron Finch, if picked in the XI, Aaron Finch will be playing for his 8th franchise in the IPL in his 10th season. SRH's bowling unit have great records against RCB. Sandeep Sharma scalped 21 wickets in 12 matches against RCB. The young paceman has dismissed Kohli six times and de Villiers twice. Bhuvneshwar Kumar, a spearhead of SRH's bowling unit, has taken 133 wickets in IPL could play a vital role for the team. AB de Villiers, also known as Mr 360, is just one six away to complete 200 IPL sixes. RCB skipper Kohli is 88 runs to complete 5500 IPL runs. SRH's speedster Siddarth Kaul is just one wicket away to complete 50 wickets in IPL. Expected Playing XI Sunrisers Hyderabad: David Warner (C), Jonny Bairstow (WK), Manish Pandey, Virat Singh, Vijay Shankar, Abdul Samad, Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Khaleel Ahmed, Sandeep Sharma Royal Challengers Bangalore: Aaron Finch, Parthiv Patel, Virat Kohli (C), AB de Villiers, Gurkeerat Singh, Shivam Dube, Washington Sundar, Chris Morris, Dale Steyn, Navdeep Saini, Yuzvendra Chahal

IPL 2020- Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Royal Challengers Bangalore: Preview, stats, players to watchout for

<p>Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) on Friday released their official anthem for the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/ipl-2020">Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020</a>. While there was massive hype ahead of RCB anthem release, outrage was sparked on social media platform Twitter after RCB’s official handle posted the video song featuring the likes of Virat Kohli, AB de Villiers, Yuzvendra Chahal among many others.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Fans were left upset over the use of Hindi language in RCB’s anthem as they questioned the franchise over the less usage of Kannada language in the anthem. Even former India cricketer and one of the stalwarts of Karnataka, Dodda Ganesh was left unimpressed with the new RCB anthem.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The Official RCB Anthem is here! And it's dedicated to the best fans in the world. Time to crank up the volume to the maximum, 12th Man Army," RCB tweeted.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ: '<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/my-covid-heroes-royal-challengers-bangalore-to-pay-tribute-to-frontline-warriors-in-ipl-2020-328178" hreflang="en">My Covid Heroes': RCB to pay tribute to frontline warriors in IPL 2020</a></strong></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">The Official RCB Anthem is here! And it’s dedicated to the best fans in the world. Time to crank up the volume to the maximum, 12th Man Army. 🗣🔊<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PlayBold?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PlayBold</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IPL2020?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IPL2020</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WeAreChallengers?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WeAreChallengers</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Dream11IPL?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Dream11IPL</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RCBAnthem?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RCBAnthem</a> <a href="https://t.co/zUBMfSM4U5">pic.twitter.com/zUBMfSM4U5</a></p>
— Royal Challengers Bangalore (@RCBTweets) <a href="https://twitter.com/RCBTweets/status/1306797594073423872?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 18, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<h2><strong>Here's how the fans reacted on RCB's new anthem:</strong></h2>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">No, Shashank. The outrage is a genuine one. Just like how the <a href="https://twitter.com/ChennaiIPL?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ChennaiIPL</a> adds local flavour with Tamil, <a href="https://twitter.com/RCBTweets?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RCBTweets</a>’ fans asking for a Kannada song, is justified. After all, it is Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Bengaluru’s official language is Kannada. <a href="https://t.co/sF4bVC42Ad">https://t.co/sF4bVC42Ad</a></p>
— ದೊಡ್ಡ ಗಣೇಶ್ | Dodda Ganesh (@doddaganesha) <a href="https://twitter.com/doddaganesha/status/1306848973622181888?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 18, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">The entire state is fighting a battle today to avoid Hindi imposition in the state of Karnataka.<br />
<br />
Comes RCB - Which represents the state of Kannada Nadu having a rich cricketing history releasing it's anthem which involves unnecessary use of Hindi.<br />
<br />
Embarrassing.</p>
— Harish S Itagi (@HarishSItagi) <a href="https://twitter.com/HarishSItagi/status/1306802970554638336?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 18, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="in">Y yis hindi mor than kannada? <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Waar?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Waar</a><br />
Seaparat kannada hadilva nam kannada fans ge<br />
Paapa uella bejaru<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Waar?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Waar</a> 🖖</p>
— Mr. Nags ✌️ (@Thundrous0) <a href="https://twitter.com/Thundrous0/status/1306801677677150208?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 18, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">With so much of Hindi lyrics in it... I don't feel like supporting it. RCB has fans from all over the country/ world, not Hindi regions only. And majorly from Karnataka, so Kannada would have been used more.</p>
— ವಿಕಾಸ್ ಹೆಗಡೆ | Vikas Hegde (@hegde_vikas) <a href="https://twitter.com/hegde_vikas/status/1306840485458108416?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 18, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">This is thousand time better than ur useless anthem... <a href="https://t.co/ePSI1j70x3">pic.twitter.com/ePSI1j70x3</a></p>
— Unpaired_electron____* (@RockAlways_777) <a href="https://twitter.com/RockAlways_777/status/1306840667503562754?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 18, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Disappointed! Where's the local language?? Should have been in English and Kannada... Not Hindi...</p>
— Hameed Pasha حمیدپاشا (@whitecrescent) <a href="https://twitter.com/whitecrescent/status/1306798348830154753?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 18, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Don't come up with a Kannada song later on to mend our wounds.. These wounds are more than a decade old and we are fed up of your callous attitude year after year.. 2/2</p>
— ಮಲ್ಲಿಕಾರ್ಜುನ್ ಬಿ (Mallikarjun B) (@arjuna04) <a href="https://twitter.com/arjuna04/status/1306846176390664192?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 18, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">The <a href="https://twitter.com/RCBTweets?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RCBTweets</a> Tale,<br />
<br />
1. They don't promote much of local Karnataka talent in their team.<br />
<br />
2. They hardly use Kannada. Take the new anthem for example, they have included few Kannada words so that there won't be any outrage from fans.<br />
<br />
Suggestion: Drop Bengaluru from your banner.</p>
— Manjunath S (@NaanuManjunatha) <a href="https://twitter.com/NaanuManjunatha/status/1306868557553295365?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 18, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Please remove Hindi or remove Bangalore(bengaluru) from your team's name ,this is hijacking some ones identity <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/StopHindiImposition?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#StopHindiImposition</a></p>
— prashanthr (@prashanthrag) <a href="https://twitter.com/prashanthrag/status/1306862349018513409?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 18, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">hey - is it royal challengers bengaluru or bareily ?<br />
let the anthem be in kannada and a bit of english<br />
<br />
just because we have lost all tournaments does not mean you can add hindi , dont think we are govt of karnataka to take hindi imposition !!!😡😡😡😡😡</p>
— Free-Spirit (@murthybs) <a href="https://twitter.com/murthybs/status/1306835468638593024?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 18, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/RCBTweets?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RCBTweets</a> All good now, happy with this Anthem. Now Create another song/anthem that connects with the Bengaluru in its language: Kannada. It’s not a request, its a demand from <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RCBians?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RCBians</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/rcb?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#rcb</a><br />
<br />
Hope you will hear to it.</p>
— Ganesh Paradi (@GaneshParadi) <a href="https://twitter.com/GaneshParadi/status/1306837930644652032?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 18, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p>However, a couple of hours later RCB released another anthem in Kannada language which calmed the social media outrage a bit. Local fans were of the view that theme song should have feature more of Kannada language since Royal Challengers Bangalore represent Karnataka.</p>

<p><strong>IN PICS |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/ipl-trivia-top-records-of-thala-ms-dhoni-in-the-tournament-328205" hreflang="en">IPL trivia: Top records of 'Thala' MS Dhoni in the tournament</a></strong></p>

<h2><strong>RCB's new anthem in Kannada language:</strong></h2>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="und">RCB Anthem ಕನ್ನಡ Rap ft. <a href="https://twitter.com/devdpd07?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@devdpd07</a><br />
<br />
ಏನೇ ಬರಲಿ... ಎಂತೇ ಇರಲಿ... RCB! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PlayBold?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PlayBold</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IPL2020?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IPL2020</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/%E0%B2%A8%E0%B2%AE%E0%B3%8D%E0%B2%AERCB?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ನಮ್ಮRCB</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WeAreChallengers?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WeAreChallengers</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Dream11IPL?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Dream11IPL</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RCBAnthem?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RCBAnthem</a> <a href="https://t.co/cR9KKfWgvd">pic.twitter.com/cR9KKfWgvd</a></p>
— Royal Challengers Bangalore (@RCBTweets) <a href="https://twitter.com/RCBTweets/status/1306857992017436673?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 18, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p>Apparently, the song featured only four Kannada words which has been looped thrice while the Hindi words dominate the 106-second long video.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, RCB would be gunning to break their IPL title drought when they take to the field in the 13th edition of the lucrative T20 tournament, which is set to be held behind closed doors in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) from September 19.&nbsp;</p>

<p>RCB are among the three teams who are yet to lift the IPL trophy with the others being Delhi Capitals and Kings XI Punjab.&nbsp;</p>


Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) on Friday released their official anthem for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020. While there was massive hype ahead of RCB anthem release, outrage was sparked on social media platform Twitter after RCB’s official handle posted the video song featuring the likes of Virat Kohli, AB de Villiers, Yuzvendra Chahal among many others.

Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) on Friday released their official anthem for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020. While there was massive hype ahead of RCB anthem release, outrage was sparked on social media platform Twitter after RCB’s official handle posted the video song featuring the likes of Virat Kohli, AB de Villiers, Yuzvendra Chahal among many others. Fans were left upset over the use of Hindi language in RCB’s anthem as they questioned the franchise over the less usage of Kannada language in the anthem. Even former India cricketer and one of the stalwarts of Karnataka, Dodda Ganesh was left unimpressed with the new RCB anthem. "The Official RCB Anthem is here! And it's dedicated to the best fans in the world. Time to crank up the volume to the maximum, 12th Man Army," RCB tweeted. ALSO READ: 'My Covid Heroes': RCB to pay tribute to frontline warriors in IPL 2020 The Official RCB Anthem is here! And it’s dedicated to the best fans in the world. Time to crank up the volume to the maximum, 12th Man Army. 🗣🔊#PlayBold #IPL2020 #WeAreChallengers #Dream11IPL #RCBAnthem pic.twitter.com/zUBMfSM4U5 — Royal Challengers Bangalore (@RCBTweets) September 18, 2020 × Here's how the fans reacted on RCB's new anthem: No, Shashank. The outrage is a genuine one. Just like how the @ChennaiIPL adds local flavour with Tamil, @RCBTweets’ fans asking for a Kannada song, is justified. After all, it is Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Bengaluru’s official language is Kannada. https://t.co/sF4bVC42Ad — ದೊಡ್ಡ ಗಣೇಶ್ | Dodda Ganesh (@doddaganesha) September 18, 2020 × The entire state is fighting a battle today to avoid Hindi imposition in the state of Karnataka. Comes RCB - Which represents the state of Kannada Nadu having a rich cricketing history releasing it's anthem which involves unnecessary use of Hindi. Embarrassing. — Harish S Itagi (@HarishSItagi) September 18, 2020 × Y yis hindi mor than kannada? #Waar Seaparat kannada hadilva nam kannada fans ge Paapa uella bejaru#Waar 🖖 — Mr. Nags ✌️ (@Thundrous0) September 18, 2020 × With so much of Hindi lyrics in it... I don't feel like supporting it. RCB has fans from all over the country/ world, not Hindi regions only. And majorly from Karnataka, so Kannada would have been used more. — ವಿಕಾಸ್ ಹೆಗಡೆ | Vikas Hegde (@hegde_vikas) September 18, 2020 × This is thousand time better than ur useless anthem... pic.twitter.com/ePSI1j70x3 — Unpaired_electron____* (@RockAlways_777) September 18, 2020 × Disappointed! Where's the local language?? Should have been in English and Kannada... Not Hindi... — Hameed Pasha حمیدپاشا (@whitecrescent) September 18, 2020 × Don't come up with a Kannada song later on to mend our wounds.. These wounds are more than a decade old and we are fed up of your callous attitude year after year.. 2/2 — ಮಲ್ಲಿಕಾರ್ಜುನ್ ಬಿ (Mallikarjun B) (@arjuna04) September 18, 2020 × The @RCBTweets Tale, 1. They don't promote much of local Karnataka talent in their team. 2. They hardly use Kannada. Take the new anthem for example, they have included few Kannada words so that there won't be any outrage from fans. Suggestion: Drop Bengaluru from your banner. — Manjunath S (@NaanuManjunatha) September 18, 2020 × Please remove Hindi or remove Bangalore(bengaluru) from your team's name ,this is hijacking some ones identity #StopHindiImposition — prashanthr (@prashanthrag) September 18, 2020 × hey - is it royal challengers bengaluru or bareily ? let the anthem be in kannada and a bit of english just because we have lost all tournaments does not mean you can add hindi , dont think we are govt of karnataka to take hindi imposition !!!😡😡😡😡😡 — Free-Spirit (@murthybs) September 18, 2020 × @RCBTweets All good now, happy with this Anthem. Now Create another song/anthem that connects with the Bengaluru in its language: Kannada. It’s not a request, its a demand from #RCBians #rcb Hope you will hear to it. — Ganesh Paradi (@GaneshParadi) September 18, 2020 × However, a couple of hours later RCB released another anthem in Kannada language which calmed the social media outrage a bit. Local fans were of the view that theme song should have feature more of Kannada language since Royal Challengers Bangalore represent Karnataka. IN PICS | IPL trivia: Top records of 'Thala' MS Dhoni in the tournament RCB's new anthem in Kannada language: RCB Anthem ಕನ್ನಡ Rap ft. @devdpd07 ಏನೇ ಬರಲಿ... ಎಂತೇ ಇರಲಿ... RCB! #PlayBold #IPL2020 #ನಮ್ಮRCB #WeAreChallengers #Dream11IPL #RCBAnthem pic.twitter.com/cR9KKfWgvd — Royal Challengers Bangalore (@RCBTweets) September 18, 2020 × Apparently, the song featured only four Kannada words which has been looped thrice while the Hindi words dominate the 106-second long video. Meanwhile, RCB would be gunning to break their IPL title drought when they take to the field in the 13th edition of the lucrative T20 tournament, which is set to be held behind closed doors in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) from September 19. RCB are among the three teams who are yet to lift the IPL trophy with the others being Delhi Capitals and Kings XI Punjab.

IPL 2020: RCB release new anthem, usage of 'Hindi language' triggers outrage on social media

<p>IPL team Royal Challengers Bangalore have paid tribute to the frontline warriors during the coronavirus pandemic by inscribing 'My Covid Heroes' on their training and match jerseys. According to the team, it is a small way of showing their respect to these "amazing people."</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/watch-ms-dhoni-and-co-gear-up-for-ipl-2020-with-a-practice-match-327751" hreflang="en">Watch: MS Dhoni and Co. gear up for IPL 2020 with a practice match</a></p>

<p>These new jerseys will be used during the entire Indian Premier League. The jerseys worn by the players on the first match will be auctioned and the money will be donated to Give India foundation.</p>

<h6><img alt="mm" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="58955e84-ef86-4cd2-94c1-c4a4cd4d50e4" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%286%29_48.jpg" /><br />
<em>Photo credit: Royal Challengers Bangalore Photography Team</em></h6>

<p>The Royal Challengers Bangalore will begin their IPL campaign against Sunrisers Hyderabad on Monday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"It is indeed a great campaign to be a part of, something that we are doing for the first time as a team," Kohli said during a virtual press conference on Thursday.</p>

<p><img alt="jn" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d5992eec-7da7-4165-aee3-7c0302f88304" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%287%29_46.jpg" /></p>

<h6><em>Photo credit: Royal Challengers Bangalore Photography Team</em></h6>

<h6>"We have seen the appreciation for people who have come into their own and really thought of the whole world's perspective when it comes to helping people. And selflessly going out and not thinking of their own situation, only and only to help others around them. So, we feel proud as team RCB to be a part of this campaign, to wear these jerseys on the field and while training as well, just to pay our respect and a little tribute to all these amazing people that have come up and shown their true character in these tough times," he added.</h6>

<p>The Indian skipper also saluted these COVID-19 warriors who have been selfless in their actions.</p>

<p><strong>IN PICS:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/ipl-trivia-top-5-batsmen-with-highest-individual-scores-327544" hreflang="en">IPL trivia: Top 5 batsmen with highest individual scores!</a></p>

<p>"These have been very, very challenging times. We all know that, we have all experienced that at some level but for a lot of people, the challenges are way more than what we can ever imagine. And I think just to appreciate that and to understand their situation, is the least we can do. And from our side, we have absolute respect and admiration for what these people have done selflessly, not at any level to get appreciation or adulation. It was selfless, organic will to help someone else in need. So, a big salute to that," said the 31-year-old.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, Sanjeev Churiwala, chairman of RCB said: "Royals Challengers Bangalore salutes these real challengers who are helping humanity on the frontline through the #MyCovidHeroes campaign. It is an initiative to acknowledge the efforts and honour the sacrifices made by these real challengers. We are going to pay tribute to every individual who has right now embraced the challengers spirit by having the message 'My Covid Heroes' inscribed on all the RCB jerseys, both during training and matches."</p>

<p>"The players will be wearing these jerseys for the entire tournament. The jerseys the players wear for RCB's first match will be auctioned and the proceeds will be donated to Give India foundation."</p>


IPL team Royal Challengers Bangalore have paid tribute to the frontline warriors during the coronavirus pandemic by inscribing 'My Covid Heroes' on their training and match jerseys.

IPL team Royal Challengers Bangalore have paid tribute to the frontline warriors during the coronavirus pandemic by inscribing 'My Covid Heroes' on their training and match jerseys. According to the team, it is a small way of showing their respect to these "amazing people." Also read: Watch: MS Dhoni and Co. gear up for IPL 2020 with a practice match These new jerseys will be used during the entire Indian Premier League. The jerseys worn by the players on the first match will be auctioned and the money will be donated to Give India foundation. Photo credit: Royal Challengers Bangalore Photography Team The Royal Challengers Bangalore will begin their IPL campaign against Sunrisers Hyderabad on Monday. "It is indeed a great campaign to be a part of, something that we are doing for the first time as a team," Kohli said during a virtual press conference on Thursday. Photo credit: Royal Challengers Bangalore Photography Team "We have seen the appreciation for people who have come into their own and really thought of the whole world's perspective when it comes to helping people. And selflessly going out and not thinking of their own situation, only and only to help others around them. So, we feel proud as team RCB to be a part of this campaign, to wear these jerseys on the field and while training as well, just to pay our respect and a little tribute to all these amazing people that have come up and shown their true character in these tough times," he added. The Indian skipper also saluted these COVID-19 warriors who have been selfless in their actions. IN PICS: IPL trivia: Top 5 batsmen with highest individual scores! "These have been very, very challenging times. We all know that, we have all experienced that at some level but for a lot of people, the challenges are way more than what we can ever imagine. And I think just to appreciate that and to understand their situation, is the least we can do. And from our side, we have absolute respect and admiration for what these people have done selflessly, not at any level to get appreciation or adulation. It was selfless, organic will to help someone else in need. So, a big salute to that," said the 31-year-old. Meanwhile, Sanjeev Churiwala, chairman of RCB said: "Royals Challengers Bangalore salutes these real challengers who are helping humanity on the frontline through the #MyCovidHeroes campaign. It is an initiative to acknowledge the efforts and honour the sacrifices made by these real challengers. We are going to pay tribute to every individual who has right now embraced the challengers spirit by having the message 'My Covid Heroes' inscribed on all the RCB jerseys, both during training and matches." "The players will be wearing these jerseys for the entire tournament. The jerseys the players wear for RCB's first match will be auctioned and the proceeds will be donated to Give India foundation."

'My Covid Heroes': Royal Challengers Bangalore to pay tribute to frontline warriors in IPL 2020

<p>Royal Challengers Bangalore star AB de Villiers was all praise for his Captain Virat Kohli few days before the IPL commences. In the latest video uploaded on ‘RCB Bold Diaries’ uploaded on the franchise’ official Youtube channel, de Villiers said that he feels better than ever being a part of the RCB squad which feels fresh this year.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/exclusive-hope-to-carry-domestic-form-into-ipl-2020-says-kings-xi-punjabs-mandeep-singh-327464" hreflang="en">Exclusive: Hope to carry domestic form into IPL 2020 - Mandeep Singh</a></p>

<p>“I think the clarity about the IPL happening came one month back, more or less. BCCI has done a remarkable job in getting the IPL going, we are very excited to play the tournament. I am feeling better than ever so I am looking to be out there with the boys,” de Villiers said.</p>

<p>According to former South African captain, Kohli has set an example for everyone because of his dedication and leadership skills.</p>

<p>“We have worked so hard, we have a good work ethic, it really feels like everyone has bought into this hard-working environment. The credit needs to go to Virat, he sets the example and leads from the front. It is pretty easy to follow when you have a captain who is always leading from the front,” De Villiers added.</p>

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<p>AB de Villiers also talked about forced break due to the pandemic.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“It is natural to get breaks here and there, sometimes the schedule allows a period of no cricket for two months or so. Sometimes injuries happen and you are out for six or seven months.</p>

<p>“I know the feeling of coming back from a big break. It’s amazing how you can get back into the groove, nothing guarantees performance, but that’s the beauty of sport, you never know what to expect,” de Villiers added.</p>

<p>“It is natural to get breaks here and there, sometimes the schedule allows a period of no cricket for two months or so. Sometimes injuries happen and you are out for six or seven months.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/brad-hogg-excludes-dhoni-de-villiers-and-gayle-from-his-ipl-2020-xi-explains-why-327459" hreflang="en">Hogg excludes Dhoni, de Villiers and Gayle from his IPL 2020 XI; explains why</a></p>

<p>“I know the feeling of coming back from a big break. It’s amazing how you can get back into the groove, nothing guarantees performance, but that’s the beauty of sport, you never know what to expect,” de Villiers added.</p>

<p>The South African praised this year's squad set up by the franchise and also said that the team has players in each department. “There is a different feel this time, there is back up everywhere looking at our options. Virat and coaches can find the best playing XI, there are options in every single department, be it batting, bowling, and fielding,” he said.</p>


Royal Challengers Bangalore star AB de Villiers was all praise for his Captain Virat Kohli few days before the IPL commences. In the latest video uploaded on ‘RCB Bold Diaries’ uploaded on the franchise’ official Youtube channel, de Villiers said that he feels better than ever being a part of the RCB squad which feels fresh this year.

Royal Challengers Bangalore star AB de Villiers was all praise for his Captain Virat Kohli few days before the IPL commences. In the latest video uploaded on ‘RCB Bold Diaries’ uploaded on the franchise’ official Youtube channel, de Villiers said that he feels better than ever being a part of the RCB squad which feels fresh this year. Also read: Exclusive: Hope to carry domestic form into IPL 2020 - Mandeep Singh “I think the clarity about the IPL happening came one month back, more or less. BCCI has done a remarkable job in getting the IPL going, we are very excited to play the tournament. I am feeling better than ever so I am looking to be out there with the boys,” de Villiers said. According to former South African captain, Kohli has set an example for everyone because of his dedication and leadership skills. “We have worked so hard, we have a good work ethic, it really feels like everyone has bought into this hard-working environment. The credit needs to go to Virat, he sets the example and leads from the front. It is pretty easy to follow when you have a captain who is always leading from the front,” De Villiers added. × AB de Villiers also talked about forced break due to the pandemic. “It is natural to get breaks here and there, sometimes the schedule allows a period of no cricket for two months or so. Sometimes injuries happen and you are out for six or seven months. “I know the feeling of coming back from a big break. It’s amazing how you can get back into the groove, nothing guarantees performance, but that’s the beauty of sport, you never know what to expect,” de Villiers added. “It is natural to get breaks here and there, sometimes the schedule allows a period of no cricket for two months or so. Sometimes injuries happen and you are out for six or seven months. Also read: Hogg excludes Dhoni, de Villiers and Gayle from his IPL 2020 XI; explains why “I know the feeling of coming back from a big break. It’s amazing how you can get back into the groove, nothing guarantees performance, but that’s the beauty of sport, you never know what to expect,” de Villiers added. The South African praised this year's squad set up by the franchise and also said that the team has players in each department. “There is a different feel this time, there is back up everywhere looking at our options. Virat and coaches can find the best playing XI, there are options in every single department, be it batting, bowling, and fielding,” he said.

'Credit needs to go to Virat': AB de Villiers praises RCB skipper ahead of IPL 2020

From Kohli to de Villiers: Royal Challengers Bangalore sweat it out ahead of IPL 2020

<p>Royal Challengers Bangalore are set to commence training for Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 in the bio-secure environment after completing their designated six-day quarantine period. The Virat Kohli-led outfit will introduce personalized training approach to prepare for IPL 2020, which is set to be held in the UAE from September 19 to November 10.</p>

<p>As the RCB squad gears up to start training for IPL 2020, franchise’s Director of Cricket Operations, Mike Hesson reckons that single training session for all the players won’t be a viable options given the current circumstances surrounding COVID-19 pandemic, strict protocols and what each player has experienced over the last few months.</p>

<p>RCB, who are based in Dubai for IPL 2020, will begin their three-week training camp at the ICC Cricket Academy and will take up training and practice to gather the lost rhythm and demands of playing in the extreme heat in the UAE.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/icc-test-rankings-crawley-anderson-soar-up-after-memorable-performances-323188" hreflang="en">ICC Test Rankings: Crawley, Anderson soar up after memorable performances</a></strong></p>

<p>Talking about the challenges for the season, Mike Hesson – Director of Cricket Operations, RCB said, “Players have spent the last few months in a variety of environments and are therefore in different stages of fitness and training, and hence a singular training approach is not the best route to start getting ready for the season. Our Support Staff team will continue working in a way that is flexible and offers personalised support. We have a highly skilled Support Staff team to nurture the players mentally, physically and emotionally to assist each players preparation so they are ready to play their best cricket.”</p>

<p><img alt="Mike Hesson" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c736c150-3a73-4779-9c6d-9acadf687d07" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Mike%20Hesson%20%E2%80%93%20Director%20of%20Cricket%20Operations%2C%20RCB%20.JPG" /></p>

<p>Whereas RCB Head Coach Simon Katich said that they have planned several split-group sessions in a bid to give batsmen time to get back into flow after a long layoff while adding once everyone gets their rhythm back, collective sessions and practice matches can be conducted.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO WATCH:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/wion-exclusive-australias-josh-hazlewood-on-ipl-2020-csk-and-ms-dhoni-and-india-series-316501" hreflang="en">WION Exclusive: Australia's Josh Hazlewood on IPL 2020, CSK and MS Dhoni and India series</a></strong></p>

<p>Simon Katich, Head Coach, Royal Challengers Bangalore, said, “Given the unique circumstances, Covid- 19 has presented to everyone worldwide we are just extremely grateful to be in a position that we can get back to putting on a show for IPL in the UAE. Our preparations have revolved around giving the players at least 3 weeks to get back into the routine of training their skills and getting their bodies ready for the competition so they can build up gradually and try to minimise any injuries. We have several split- group sessions planned initially to help give the batsmen plenty of time getting volume in after such a long layoff. It also ties into helping mitigate any risks with Covid by not having the full squad training all at once either. Once everyone has got their touch and rhythm back with bat and ball, we will move into more competitive training before the scheduled practice matches and the start of the tournament.”&nbsp;</p>

<p>IPL 2020 starts from September 19 in the UAE with the final scheduled to be played in November 10.</p>


Royal Challengers Bangalore are set to commence training for Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 in the bio-secure environment after completing their designated six-day quarantine period.

Royal Challengers Bangalore are set to commence training for Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 in the bio-secure environment after completing their designated six-day quarantine period. The Virat Kohli-led outfit will introduce personalized training approach to prepare for IPL 2020, which is set to be held in the UAE from September 19 to November 10. As the RCB squad gears up to start training for IPL 2020, franchise’s Director of Cricket Operations, Mike Hesson reckons that single training session for all the players won’t be a viable options given the current circumstances surrounding COVID-19 pandemic, strict protocols and what each player has experienced over the last few months. RCB, who are based in Dubai for IPL 2020, will begin their three-week training camp at the ICC Cricket Academy and will take up training and practice to gather the lost rhythm and demands of playing in the extreme heat in the UAE. ALSO READ: ICC Test Rankings: Crawley, Anderson soar up after memorable performances Talking about the challenges for the season, Mike Hesson – Director of Cricket Operations, RCB said, “Players have spent the last few months in a variety of environments and are therefore in different stages of fitness and training, and hence a singular training approach is not the best route to start getting ready for the season. Our Support Staff team will continue working in a way that is flexible and offers personalised support. We have a highly skilled Support Staff team to nurture the players mentally, physically and emotionally to assist each players preparation so they are ready to play their best cricket.” Whereas RCB Head Coach Simon Katich said that they have planned several split-group sessions in a bid to give batsmen time to get back into flow after a long layoff while adding once everyone gets their rhythm back, collective sessions and practice matches can be conducted. ALSO WATCH: WION Exclusive: Australia's Josh Hazlewood on IPL 2020, CSK and MS Dhoni and India series Simon Katich, Head Coach, Royal Challengers Bangalore, said, “Given the unique circumstances, Covid- 19 has presented to everyone worldwide we are just extremely grateful to be in a position that we can get back to putting on a show for IPL in the UAE. Our preparations have revolved around giving the players at least 3 weeks to get back into the routine of training their skills and getting their bodies ready for the competition so they can build up gradually and try to minimise any injuries. We have several split- group sessions planned initially to help give the batsmen plenty of time getting volume in after such a long layoff. It also ties into helping mitigate any risks with Covid by not having the full squad training all at once either. Once everyone has got their touch and rhythm back with bat and ball, we will move into more competitive training before the scheduled practice matches and the start of the tournament.” IPL 2020 starts from September 19 in the UAE with the final scheduled to be played in November 10.

IPL 2020: Royal Challengers Bangalore to have personalised training approach

<p>Skipper Virat Kohli took to Instagram to express his "loyalty" towards the Indian Premier League (IPL) team Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) which is set to compete in the tournament on September 19 in the United Arab Emirates.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Virat posted a video which showed his past interviews as Royal Challengers Bangalore captain as well as some behind-the-scenes clips of the team. He captioned the video: "Loyalty above everything. Can't wait for what's to come."&nbsp;</p>

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<p style=" margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CDqB7Wgl4_M/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_blank">Loyalty above everything. Can't wait for what's to come. 🕘</a></p>

<p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;">A post shared by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/virat.kohli/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px;" target="_blank"> Virat Kohli</a> (@virat.kohli) on <time datetime="2020-08-09T05:25:07+00:00" style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;">Aug 8, 2020 at 10:25pm PDT</time></p>
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<p>The Royal Challengers Bangalore have failed to win the IPL trophy in past 12 seasons despite reaching the final thrice. &nbsp;But this season Aaron Finch, Chris Morris and Dale Steyn have been added to the bolster the team.&nbsp;</p>

<p>This season's Indian Premier League was postponed due to coronavirus pandemic and will now be played between September 19 to November 10 after the T20 World Cup got postponed due to the virus.</p>

<p>Virat's RCB has been struggling to qualify for playoffs over the last three years. Despite reaching the finals in 2016, Royal Challengers were at &nbsp;8th, 6th, and 8th in the following seasons.&nbsp;</p>


Skipper Virat Kohli took to Instagram to express his "loyalty" towards the Indian Premier League (IPL) team Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) which is set to compete in the tournament on September 19 in the United Arab Emirates.

Skipper Virat Kohli took to Instagram to express his "loyalty" towards the Indian Premier League (IPL) team Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) which is set to compete in the tournament on September 19 in the United Arab Emirates. Virat posted a video which showed his past interviews as Royal Challengers Bangalore captain as well as some behind-the-scenes clips of the team. He captioned the video: "Loyalty above everything. Can't wait for what's to come." View this post on Instagram Loyalty above everything. Can't wait for what's to come. 🕘 A post shared by Virat Kohli (@virat.kohli) on Aug 8, 2020 at 10:25pm PDT × The Royal Challengers Bangalore have failed to win the IPL trophy in past 12 seasons despite reaching the final thrice. But this season Aaron Finch, Chris Morris and Dale Steyn have been added to the bolster the team. This season's Indian Premier League was postponed due to coronavirus pandemic and will now be played between September 19 to November 10 after the T20 World Cup got postponed due to the virus. Virat's RCB has been struggling to qualify for playoffs over the last three years. Despite reaching the finals in 2016, Royal Challengers were at 8th, 6th, and 8th in the following seasons.

'Loyalty above everything': Virat excited to lead RCB to glory!

<p>Australian players are gearing up for the limited-overs series against England scheduled to be played in September. While it has been a long break from cricket due to COVID-19 pandemic, international Aussie cricketers have a packed schedule with the tour to the UK and then the much-awaited Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020.&nbsp;</p>

<p>While the players will be back in action soon with a 26-man preliminary squad already announced for the England series, all eyes will be on the bowling attack comprising some of the top bowlers in world cricket, at the moment.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In an exclusive interview with WION's Subhayan Chakraborty, Australian pacer Kane Richardson, who is also set to be seen in action for Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in IPL 2020, talked about the forced break from cricket, limited-overs series against England, RCB, Indian Premier League, captaincy of Aaron Finch and Virat Kohli and much more.&nbsp;</p>

<p><img alt="Kane Richardson" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="514db4cd-a568-4073-94b4-16e12c0d45a4" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/000_1NP0DR.jpg" /></p>

<p>The break due to COVID-19 has put cricketers out of action for nearly five months now. However, for Kane the break came in as an opportunity to press the reboot button and now with the resumption of training with South Australia, the right-arm pacer is looking to get back to his peak ahead of the UK tour.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/exclusive-marnus-labuschagne-thriving-to-be-the-best-316956" hreflang="en">Exclusive | Marnus Labuschagne: Thriving to be the best</a></strong></p>

<p>“The break from playing has been refreshing to be honest. We have come back strong and are well into pre-season training with our states. As a bowler our loads are not at their peak but we are working towards getting ready for a tour of the UK in a few weeks. We will have some time in the UK before matches start. We have done a lot of work in pre-season, we will be ready,” Kane Richardson told WION in an exclusive interview.&nbsp;</p>

<p>England’s white-ball side has already played a three-match ODI series against Ireland and are scheduled to play a T20I series against Pakistan before the world champions take on their fiercest rivals in the limited-overs series in September. But Kane is of the view that Australia will be fresh and ready to go against the Eoin Morgan-led side.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“Everybody is in the same situation globally. England have had longer together but we will be fresh and ready to go.”<br />
After the series against England, Kane will be joining Royal Challengers Bangalore for IPL 2020 in the United Arab Emirates. The 29-year-old is super excited to join the Virat Kohli-led franchise as he said IPL is a great opportunity to play and learn against the best players in the world.&nbsp;</p>

<p><img alt="Kane Richardson" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="8088b841-527c-47d5-b88f-c1a2e294298b" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/000_1LU8RV.jpg" /></p>

<p>In IPL 2016, Kane didn’t have the best of outing with only four matches under his belt for RCB but is determined to do well this time with all the experience to his name.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/exclusive-australias-josh-hazlewood-opens-up-on-england-and-india-series-ipl-2020-injuries-and-more-316469" hreflang="en">EXCLUSIVE: Australia's Josh Hazlewood opens up on England and India series, IPL 2020, injuries and more</a></strong></p>

<p>“I can’t wait to get back to the IPL and the Challengers, especially with the calibre of players we have this year. The IPL is a great opportunity for us to play with and against the very best in the world and a great warmup for the home summer,” Kane, who is set for a second stint with RCB said.&nbsp;</p>

<p><img alt="Kane Richardson" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="3da714c0-986d-4940-b42c-55d952b75b00" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Richardson-e1584512620507-980x530%20%281%29.jpg" /></p>

<p>The Aussie pacer has played cricket under both Aaron Finch and Virat Kohli. Now the troika will be seen for RCB after the franchise bagged both Finch and Kane in the auction which took place in December 2019. Kane was roped in for a whopping Rs 4 crore and is looking to make a mark straightaway with the white-ball.&nbsp;</p>

<p>When asked what are the similarities betwee Kohli and Finch as captains, Kane said that the hunger to win sets them apart as leader while terming them both as ‘inspirational players’.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“They are both (Kohli and Finch) incredibly driven captains and inspirational players. It is going to be an amazing experience as you say. Hopefully our batters make the bowlers lives easy,” the Aussie pacer observed.&nbsp;</p>

<p><img alt="Kane Richardson" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="7e3af42a-11bd-448e-ae84-8008b3469afc" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/3588749423001_4858027325001_kane.jpg" /></p>

<p>Before concluding, Kane said he can’t wait to get back to the field and give fans something to look forward after such a tough phase. He further said that IPL provide a lot of joy to many and now it is their duty to play the best cricket and put a smile to fans’ face.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“I know all the players can’t wait to get back and give the fans something to look forward to after such a tough year for everyone. The IPL can provide a lot of joy to so many, it’s up to us to play our best and give them some great cricket to watch,” Kane signed off.<br />
&nbsp;</p>


Australian players are gearing up for the limited-overs series against England scheduled to be played in September. While it has been a long break from cricket due to COVID-19 pandemic, international Aussie cricketers have a packed schedule with the tour to the UK and then the much-awaited Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020.

Australian players are gearing up for the limited-overs series against England scheduled to be played in September. While it has been a long break from cricket due to COVID-19 pandemic, international Aussie cricketers have a packed schedule with the tour to the UK and then the much-awaited Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020. While the players will be back in action soon with a 26-man preliminary squad already announced for the England series, all eyes will be on the bowling attack comprising some of the top bowlers in world cricket, at the moment. In an exclusive interview with WION's Subhayan Chakraborty, Australian pacer Kane Richardson, who is also set to be seen in action for Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in IPL 2020, talked about the forced break from cricket, limited-overs series against England, RCB, Indian Premier League, captaincy of Aaron Finch and Virat Kohli and much more. The break due to COVID-19 has put cricketers out of action for nearly five months now. However, for Kane the break came in as an opportunity to press the reboot button and now with the resumption of training with South Australia, the right-arm pacer is looking to get back to his peak ahead of the UK tour. ALSO READ: Exclusive | Marnus Labuschagne: Thriving to be the best “The break from playing has been refreshing to be honest. We have come back strong and are well into pre-season training with our states. As a bowler our loads are not at their peak but we are working towards getting ready for a tour of the UK in a few weeks. We will have some time in the UK before matches start. We have done a lot of work in pre-season, we will be ready,” Kane Richardson told WION in an exclusive interview. England’s white-ball side has already played a three-match ODI series against Ireland and are scheduled to play a T20I series against Pakistan before the world champions take on their fiercest rivals in the limited-overs series in September. But Kane is of the view that Australia will be fresh and ready to go against the Eoin Morgan-led side. “Everybody is in the same situation globally. England have had longer together but we will be fresh and ready to go.” After the series against England, Kane will be joining Royal Challengers Bangalore for IPL 2020 in the United Arab Emirates. The 29-year-old is super excited to join the Virat Kohli-led franchise as he said IPL is a great opportunity to play and learn against the best players in the world. In IPL 2016, Kane didn’t have the best of outing with only four matches under his belt for RCB but is determined to do well this time with all the experience to his name. ALSO READ: EXCLUSIVE: Australia's Josh Hazlewood opens up on England and India series, IPL 2020, injuries and more “I can’t wait to get back to the IPL and the Challengers, especially with the calibre of players we have this year. The IPL is a great opportunity for us to play with and against the very best in the world and a great warmup for the home summer,” Kane, who is set for a second stint with RCB said. The Aussie pacer has played cricket under both Aaron Finch and Virat Kohli. Now the troika will be seen for RCB after the franchise bagged both Finch and Kane in the auction which took place in December 2019. Kane was roped in for a whopping Rs 4 crore and is looking to make a mark straightaway with the white-ball. When asked what are the similarities betwee Kohli and Finch as captains, Kane said that the hunger to win sets them apart as leader while terming them both as ‘inspirational players’. “They are both (Kohli and Finch) incredibly driven captains and inspirational players. It is going to be an amazing experience as you say. Hopefully our batters make the bowlers lives easy,” the Aussie pacer observed. Before concluding, Kane said he can’t wait to get back to the field and give fans something to look forward after such a tough phase. He further said that IPL provide a lot of joy to many and now it is their duty to play the best cricket and put a smile to fans’ face. “I know all the players can’t wait to get back and give the fans something to look forward to after such a tough year for everyone. The IPL can provide a lot of joy to so many, it’s up to us to play our best and give them some great cricket to watch,” Kane signed off.

Exclusive - Kohli, Finch driven captains and inspirational players: Kane Richardson

<p>Cricket umpire Nigel Llong has paid for the repairs after damaging the glass door in the umpire's room at Bengaluru's M Chinnaswamy Stadium during Bangalore <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2019-shimron-hetmyer-gurkeerat-singh-power-bangalore-to-four-wicket-win-over-hyderabad-215996">final home game against Hyderabad</a> on May 4.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Llong reportedly kicked the door after a controversial end to Hyderabad's innings. The umpire had signalled a no-ball off Umesh Yadav's bowling but the replays suggested that the delivery was legal.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"It was an unfortunate incident. He gave a wrong no-ball decision in the match, and Virat went and spoke to him, and Umesh also spoke to him. So he might have been upset, and frustrated. He came back and kicked the door to the umpires' room after the first innings. So there was a crack and a dent in the door. The glass didn't break, fortunately," ESPN Cricinfo quoted Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) secretary R Sudhakar Rao as saying on Tuesday."&nbsp;</p>

<p>After the game, I found out, and I met the match referee. I spoke to him, and we had a discussion, and I have reported the matter to the Committee of Administrators (CoA).&nbsp;</p>

<p>He paid Rs 5000 for the damages. He was civil about it, but he had caused damage, so we had to charge him for it. He didn't complain about it," he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>After the replays, Llong was seen having a discussion with Bangalore skipper Virat Kohli and bowler Yadav when the big screens at the ground showed that the bowler had not overstepped.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The umpire, however, stood his ground and refused to change his decision despite protests from the Bangalore camp.&nbsp;</p>

<p>After the conclusion of the innings, the agitated umpire went back to the umpires room and apparently smashed the glass door.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The glass door was dented, but it did not shatter. The state cricket association, after seeing the nature of the incident, had to report the matter to the CoA after consulting the match referee V Narayan Kutty.</p>


Cricket umpire Nigel Llong has paid for the repairs after damaging the glass door in the umpire's room at Bengaluru's M Chinnaswamy Stadium during Bangalore final home game against Hyderabad on May 4.

Cricket umpire Nigel Llong has paid for the repairs after damaging the glass door in the umpire's room at Bengaluru's M Chinnaswamy Stadium during Bangalore final home game against Hyderabad on May 4. Llong reportedly kicked the door after a controversial end to Hyderabad's innings. The umpire had signalled a no-ball off Umesh Yadav's bowling but the replays suggested that the delivery was legal. "It was an unfortunate incident. He gave a wrong no-ball decision in the match, and Virat went and spoke to him, and Umesh also spoke to him. So he might have been upset, and frustrated. He came back and kicked the door to the umpires' room after the first innings. So there was a crack and a dent in the door. The glass didn't break, fortunately," ESPN Cricinfo quoted Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) secretary R Sudhakar Rao as saying on Tuesday." After the game, I found out, and I met the match referee. I spoke to him, and we had a discussion, and I have reported the matter to the Committee of Administrators (CoA). He paid Rs 5000 for the damages. He was civil about it, but he had caused damage, so we had to charge him for it. He didn't complain about it," he added. After the replays, Llong was seen having a discussion with Bangalore skipper Virat Kohli and bowler Yadav when the big screens at the ground showed that the bowler had not overstepped. The umpire, however, stood his ground and refused to change his decision despite protests from the Bangalore camp. After the conclusion of the innings, the agitated umpire went back to the umpires room and apparently smashed the glass door. The glass door was dented, but it did not shatter. The state cricket association, after seeing the nature of the incident, had to report the matter to the CoA after consulting the match referee V Narayan Kutty.

Umpire Nigel Llong pays for repairs after damaging glass door in Bengaluru stadium

<p>Former New Zealand captain Vettori has worked with Kohli for six seasons as player and coach at the IPL franchise Bangalore. &nbsp;</p>

<p>"When I used to speak to him or any other coaches (used to) speak to him, there's always a conversation around what you think is best, where can this work," Vettori said on the latest episode of ESPNcricinfo's Talking T20 podcast. &nbsp;</p>

<p>"It wouldn't always be a numbers-driven conversation, it would be around some intuition and understanding of the game. I think, ultimately, when you sold a compelling story to Virat, he was always on board, open to listen and that made him such a good captain."&nbsp;</p>

<p>Vettori was part of Bangalore sides which finished runners-up in 2011 (as captain) and 2016 (as coach), apart from a run to the play-offs in 2015.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Talking about Kohli's on-field personality, Vettori said his "energy, enthusiasm and desperation to win" was "contagious."&nbsp;</p>

<p>"...You couple that with (him being) the best batsman in the world, and with a work ethic that has probably led India into the situation they are now [in]. Everyone wants to follow his gym (routine), and everything he does off the field, the way he basically prepares to play the game. That's a huge part of leadership. That's a huge part of captaincy."&nbsp;</p>

<p>Vettori, one of the smart bowlers in world cricket during his playing days, also spoke about the challenges in getting T20 teams adopt data and analytics-driven wisdom.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"For me, I think there's such a strong correlation between thorough planning and the use of data to performance. I think it's so important because I think cricket, in general, is quite immature in terms of its exposure to this.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"So, while we're in these infant stages, I think it's hard for people to get their heads around (analytics).&nbsp;</p>

<p>But, the people who are gonna buy into this first, get their heads around it, I think they'll get the jump-start on everyone."&nbsp;</p>

<p>Vettori said his former team-mate and current Mumbai&nbsp;bowling coach Shane Bond was one of the trailblazers in making the most of data and insights, as Mumbai's "structured, planned" approach to T20 cricket has paid dividends over the years.</p>


Former New Zealand captain Vettori has worked with Kohli for six seasons as player and coach at the IPL franchise Bangalore. "When I used to speak to him or any other coaches (used to) speak to him, there's always a conversation around what you think is best, where can this work," Vettori said on the latest episode of ESPNcricinfo's Talking T20 podcast.

Former New Zealand captain Vettori has worked with Kohli for six seasons as player and coach at the IPL franchise Bangalore. "When I used to speak to him or any other coaches (used to) speak to him, there's always a conversation around what you think is best, where can this work," Vettori said on the latest episode of ESPNcricinfo's Talking T20 podcast. "It wouldn't always be a numbers-driven conversation, it would be around some intuition and understanding of the game. I think, ultimately, when you sold a compelling story to Virat, he was always on board, open to listen and that made him such a good captain." Vettori was part of Bangalore sides which finished runners-up in 2011 (as captain) and 2016 (as coach), apart from a run to the play-offs in 2015. Talking about Kohli's on-field personality, Vettori said his "energy, enthusiasm and desperation to win" was "contagious." "...You couple that with (him being) the best batsman in the world, and with a work ethic that has probably led India into the situation they are now [in]. Everyone wants to follow his gym (routine), and everything he does off the field, the way he basically prepares to play the game. That's a huge part of leadership. That's a huge part of captaincy." Vettori, one of the smart bowlers in world cricket during his playing days, also spoke about the challenges in getting T20 teams adopt data and analytics-driven wisdom. "For me, I think there's such a strong correlation between thorough planning and the use of data to performance. I think it's so important because I think cricket, in general, is quite immature in terms of its exposure to this. "So, while we're in these infant stages, I think it's hard for people to get their heads around (analytics). But, the people who are gonna buy into this first, get their heads around it, I think they'll get the jump-start on everyone." Vettori said his former team-mate and current Mumbai bowling coach Shane Bond was one of the trailblazers in making the most of data and insights, as Mumbai's "structured, planned" approach to T20 cricket has paid dividends over the years.

Virat Kohli is exceptionally open to ideas: Vettori

<p>Delhi made their way to the playoffs for the first time since 2012 as they <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/live-updates-ipl-2019-match-46-delhi-vs-bangalore-at-feroz-shah-kotla-214092">defeated Bangalore by 16 runs</a> in the ongoing <a href="https://www.wionews.com/ipl-2019">Indian Premier League</a> (IPL) on Sunday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Chasing a total of 188 runs, Bangalore's openers, Parthiv Patel and Virat Kohli, gave their side a brilliant start. Both formed a 63-run partnership before Kagiso Rabada got hold of Patel (39).&nbsp;</p>

<p>AB de Villiers then joined Skipper Kolhi. However, their partnership did not last long as Kohli became a victim of Axar Patel.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Shivam Dube then formed a 35-run partnership with De Villiers before the latter got out on 17 runs. Heinrich Klaasen then joined Dube. However, Amit Mishra sent both the batsmen back to the pavilion in the 13th over.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">The <a href="https://twitter.com/DelhiCapitals?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DelhiCapitals</a> have now claimed the top spot in the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/VIVOIPL?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#VIVOIPL</a> Points Table. Will the <a href="https://twitter.com/mipaltan?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@mipaltan</a> join <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CSK?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CSK</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DC</a> for the playoffs tonight? <a href="https://t.co/o6yH32XHCI">pic.twitter.com/o6yH32XHCI</a></p>
— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) <a href="https://twitter.com/IPL/status/1122503830099251201?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 28, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<p>The rest of the batsmen struggled a bit to form a good partnership as they kept on losing wickets. However, Marcus Stoinis and Gurkeerat Singh formed a 49-run partnership which helped their side get closer to the target.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Singh scored 27 runs before he gave away his wicket which brought Washington Sundar to bat but Sundar too was sent back in the very next over.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Stoinis played a scintillating knock of 32 runs off 24 deliveries but it was not enough to take his side over the line as they lost the match by 16 runs.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Earlier, Delhi got off to a steady start as both the openers, Prithvi Shaw and Shikhar Dhawan, struck regular boundaries. However, Shaw gave away his wicket in the fourth over after scoring 18 runs.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">That's that from Delhi as the <a href="https://twitter.com/DelhiCapitals?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DelhiCapitals</a> win by 16 runs and are through to the Playoffs 😎💪 <a href="https://t.co/KtxeYqEwUY">pic.twitter.com/KtxeYqEwUY</a></p>
— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) <a href="https://twitter.com/IPL/status/1122501431993364480?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 28, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<p>Dhawan was then accompanied by the skipper Shreyas Iyer and both stitched an impeccable partnership of 68 runs.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Dhawan scored his fifth half-century and with this Dhawan surpassed Sunrisers Hyderabad`s batsman Jonny Bairstow run tally of 445 runs to become the second highest run-getter in this season of IPL with 451 runs.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Iyer too scored a half-century. However, Dhawan (50) and Iyer (52) both were sent back to the pavilion in quick succession.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Shortly after that, Rishabh Pant and Colin Ingram too lost their wickets.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Sherfane Rutherford and Axar Patel then came out to bat and both formed a crucial partnership of 46 runs which helped their side post a target of 188 for the visitors.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Delhi will now visit Chennai to compete with Chennai on May 1 while Bangalore will host Rajasthan on April 30.&nbsp;</p>


Delhi made their way to the playoffs for the first time since 2012 as they defeated Bangalore by 16 runs in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) on Sunday. Chasing a total of 188 runs, Bangalore's openers, Parthiv Patel and Virat Kohli, gave their side a brilliant start.

Delhi made their way to the playoffs for the first time since 2012 as they defeated Bangalore by 16 runs in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) on Sunday. Chasing a total of 188 runs, Bangalore's openers, Parthiv Patel and Virat Kohli, gave their side a brilliant start. Both formed a 63-run partnership before Kagiso Rabada got hold of Patel (39). AB de Villiers then joined Skipper Kolhi. However, their partnership did not last long as Kohli became a victim of Axar Patel. Shivam Dube then formed a 35-run partnership with De Villiers before the latter got out on 17 runs. Heinrich Klaasen then joined Dube. However, Amit Mishra sent both the batsmen back to the pavilion in the 13th over. The @DelhiCapitals have now claimed the top spot in the #VIVOIPL Points Table. Will the @mipaltan join #CSK and #DC for the playoffs tonight? pic.twitter.com/o6yH32XHCI — IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) April 28, 2019 × The rest of the batsmen struggled a bit to form a good partnership as they kept on losing wickets. However, Marcus Stoinis and Gurkeerat Singh formed a 49-run partnership which helped their side get closer to the target. Singh scored 27 runs before he gave away his wicket which brought Washington Sundar to bat but Sundar too was sent back in the very next over. Stoinis played a scintillating knock of 32 runs off 24 deliveries but it was not enough to take his side over the line as they lost the match by 16 runs. Earlier, Delhi got off to a steady start as both the openers, Prithvi Shaw and Shikhar Dhawan, struck regular boundaries. However, Shaw gave away his wicket in the fourth over after scoring 18 runs. That's that from Delhi as the @DelhiCapitals win by 16 runs and are through to the Playoffs 😎💪 pic.twitter.com/KtxeYqEwUY — IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) April 28, 2019 × Dhawan was then accompanied by the skipper Shreyas Iyer and both stitched an impeccable partnership of 68 runs. Dhawan scored his fifth half-century and with this Dhawan surpassed Sunrisers Hyderabad`s batsman Jonny Bairstow run tally of 445 runs to become the second highest run-getter in this season of IPL with 451 runs. Iyer too scored a half-century. However, Dhawan (50) and Iyer (52) both were sent back to the pavilion in quick succession. Shortly after that, Rishabh Pant and Colin Ingram too lost their wickets. Sherfane Rutherford and Axar Patel then came out to bat and both formed a crucial partnership of 46 runs which helped their side post a target of 188 for the visitors. Delhi will now visit Chennai to compete with Chennai on May 1 while Bangalore will host Rajasthan on April 30.

IPL 2019: Delhi storm into playoffs after defeating Bangalore by 16 runs

<p>Seventeen-year-old Riyan Parag overshadowed Dinesh Karthik's heroics to guide Rajasthan to a three-wicket win over Kolkata here at the Eden Gardens on Thursday.</p>

<p>With the win, Rajasthan has pushed Bangalore to the bottom place in the point table, taking the seventh position. Kolkata, on the other hand, is in the sixth position.</p>

<p>Chasing 176, Rajasthan got off to a brilliant start as Ajinkya Rahane and Sanju Samson added 53 runs for the opening wicket.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Sunil Narine struck Rahane leg-before for 34 to get a vital breakthrough.&nbsp;In the next over, Piyush Chawla got rid Samson (22) to unsettle Rajasthan.&nbsp;</p>

<p>With captain Steve Smith, Rajasthan was still in a position to turn the tables.&nbsp;However, Narine returned and dismissed Smith cheaply for two.</p>

<p>Riyan Parag formed brief stands with Ben Stokes (11), Stuart Binny (11) and Shreyas Gopal (18) to shrug off the pressure before finding support in Jofar Archer.</p>

<p>Riyan and Archer punished Kolkata bowlers in the death overs to inch closer towards the victory.&nbsp;</p>

<p>With 18 required from 12 balls, Riyan (47) whacked a six to Russell before his bat hit the top of the stumps, forcing him to leave Archer in the middle.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Having needed nine from the final over, Archer smashed a four and a six to Prasidh Krishna, taking Rajasthan over the line with four balls to spare.</p>

<p>Earlier, captain Dinesh Karthik's monumental effort powered Kolkata to 175 for the loss of six after sent in to bat.</p>

<p>Varun Aaron got a major breakthrough for Rajasthan as he got rid of Chris Lynn for a three-ball golden duck in the opening over and returned to dismiss Shubman Gill for 14.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Soon after, Aaron sent just-settled Nitish Rana (21) as he caught the left-hander at cover off Gopal. Karthik and Narine stitched 38-runs together to recover sinking Kolkata at 42/3 under nine overs.&nbsp;</p>

<p>On a Jofar Archer's delivery, a poor running between Kolkata batsmen resulted in the dismissal of Narine (11).&nbsp;</p>

<p>Karthik played to deep square leg and ran for double but Narine was very slow and was well out of the crease at the non-striker's end when Aaron threw the ball and Rahane whipped the bails off.</p>

<p>Karthik built brief partnerships with big-hitter Andre Russell (14) and Carlos Brathwaite (5). Both West Indies batsmen tried to display their attacking form but Rajasthan denied them from going big.</p>

<p>Kolkata captain and Rinku Singh added 44 runs for the seventh wicket in the death overs. Karthik finished 97 unbeaten, his highest ever score in the history of IPL to post a decent but below-par total.</p>

<p>Rajasthan will next play against Hyderabad on April 27, whereas Kolkata will take on Mumbai on April 28.</p>


Seventeen-year-old Riyan Parag overshadowed Dinesh Karthik's heroics to guide Rajasthan to a three-wicket win over Kolkata here at the Eden Gardens on Thursday. With the win, Rajasthan has pushed Bangalore to the bottom place in the point table, taking the seventh position.

Seventeen-year-old Riyan Parag overshadowed Dinesh Karthik's heroics to guide Rajasthan to a three-wicket win over Kolkata here at the Eden Gardens on Thursday. With the win, Rajasthan has pushed Bangalore to the bottom place in the point table, taking the seventh position. Kolkata, on the other hand, is in the sixth position. Chasing 176, Rajasthan got off to a brilliant start as Ajinkya Rahane and Sanju Samson added 53 runs for the opening wicket. Sunil Narine struck Rahane leg-before for 34 to get a vital breakthrough. In the next over, Piyush Chawla got rid Samson (22) to unsettle Rajasthan. With captain Steve Smith, Rajasthan was still in a position to turn the tables. However, Narine returned and dismissed Smith cheaply for two. Riyan Parag formed brief stands with Ben Stokes (11), Stuart Binny (11) and Shreyas Gopal (18) to shrug off the pressure before finding support in Jofar Archer. Riyan and Archer punished Kolkata bowlers in the death overs to inch closer towards the victory. With 18 required from 12 balls, Riyan (47) whacked a six to Russell before his bat hit the top of the stumps, forcing him to leave Archer in the middle. Having needed nine from the final over, Archer smashed a four and a six to Prasidh Krishna, taking Rajasthan over the line with four balls to spare. Earlier, captain Dinesh Karthik's monumental effort powered Kolkata to 175 for the loss of six after sent in to bat. Varun Aaron got a major breakthrough for Rajasthan as he got rid of Chris Lynn for a three-ball golden duck in the opening over and returned to dismiss Shubman Gill for 14. Soon after, Aaron sent just-settled Nitish Rana (21) as he caught the left-hander at cover off Gopal. Karthik and Narine stitched 38-runs together to recover sinking Kolkata at 42/3 under nine overs. On a Jofar Archer's delivery, a poor running between Kolkata batsmen resulted in the dismissal of Narine (11). Karthik played to deep square leg and ran for double but Narine was very slow and was well out of the crease at the non-striker's end when Aaron threw the ball and Rahane whipped the bails off. Karthik built brief partnerships with big-hitter Andre Russell (14) and Carlos Brathwaite (5). Both West Indies batsmen tried to display their attacking form but Rajasthan denied them from going big. Kolkata captain and Rinku Singh added 44 runs for the seventh wicket in the death overs. Karthik finished 97 unbeaten, his highest ever score in the history of IPL to post a decent but below-par total. Rajasthan will next play against Hyderabad on April 27, whereas Kolkata will take on Mumbai on April 28.

IPL 2019: Karthik's heroics in vain, Riyan guides Rajasthan to 3-wicket win

<p>AB de Villiers helped Bangalore to defeat Punjab by 17 runs here at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium on Wednesday. Chasing 203, Punjab got off to a superb start with Chris Gayle and KL Rahul replying with back-to-back boundaries.&nbsp;</p>

<p>AB de Villiers became the game changer as he stopped Gayle (23) at long-on off Umesh Yadav.</p>

<p>Mayank Agarwal and Rahul recovered Punjab with their 59-run stand for the second wicket.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Bangalore applied brakes on the scoring as Marcus Stoinis dismissed Mayank (35), who was caught by a tumbling Yuzvendra Chahal at midwicket.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In the next over, Moeen Ali got rid off Rahul (42) to put Punjab under pressure.</p>

<p>Nicholas Pooran and David Miller build a strong 68-run partnership to take Punjab home but de Villiers denied the visitors. Navdeep Saini dismissed Miller (24), who was caught by de Villiers at long-on.</p>

<p>The final over consumed Ravichandran Ashwin and Hardus Viljoen, which helped Umesh Yadav pick three wickets and Punjab ended for 185/7.</p>

<p>Earlier, asked to bat, AB de Villiers and Marcus Stoinis powered Bangalore, especially in the death&nbsp;overs to post a daunting total of 202 for the loss of four.&nbsp;</p>

<p>At one stage even 160 seemed difficult as the host were 84/4 under 11 overs.&nbsp;</p>

<p>But an unbeaten 121-run partnership between de Villiers and Stoinis gave Bangalore bowlers something to defend.</p>

<p>De Villiers punished Mohammed Shami for 21 runs, including two sixes, and slapped another six to Hardus Viljoen in the final over before Stoinis whacked two sixes and as many sixes to steal 27 runs from the last over.&nbsp;</p>

<p>De Villiers and Stoinis finished unbeaten on 82 and 46, respectively.</p>

<p>Virat Kohli and Parthiv Patel displayed their attacking form but the attempt short lived.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Kohli played a drive into the covers off Shami but Mandeep Singh caught him for 13, leaving a full house in silence.</p>

<p>Patel, too, faced a similar fate. Murugan Ashwin got a vital breakthrough as he dismissed Patel (43), who was caught by Ravichandran Ashwin at covers.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Big hitter Moeen Ali (4) and Akshdeep Nath (3) returned to the dugout in quick succession without troubling the scoreboard much.</p>

<p>Bangalore will next play against Delhi on April 28, whereas Punjab will take on Hyderabad on April 29.</p>


AB de Villiers helped Bangalore to defeat Punjab by 17 runs here at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium on Wednesday. Chasing 203, Punjab got off to a superb start with Chris Gayle and KL Rahul replying with back-to-back boundaries.

AB de Villiers helped Bangalore to defeat Punjab by 17 runs here at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium on Wednesday. Chasing 203, Punjab got off to a superb start with Chris Gayle and KL Rahul replying with back-to-back boundaries. AB de Villiers became the game changer as he stopped Gayle (23) at long-on off Umesh Yadav. Mayank Agarwal and Rahul recovered Punjab with their 59-run stand for the second wicket. Bangalore applied brakes on the scoring as Marcus Stoinis dismissed Mayank (35), who was caught by a tumbling Yuzvendra Chahal at midwicket. In the next over, Moeen Ali got rid off Rahul (42) to put Punjab under pressure. Nicholas Pooran and David Miller build a strong 68-run partnership to take Punjab home but de Villiers denied the visitors. Navdeep Saini dismissed Miller (24), who was caught by de Villiers at long-on. The final over consumed Ravichandran Ashwin and Hardus Viljoen, which helped Umesh Yadav pick three wickets and Punjab ended for 185/7. Earlier, asked to bat, AB de Villiers and Marcus Stoinis powered Bangalore, especially in the death overs to post a daunting total of 202 for the loss of four. At one stage even 160 seemed difficult as the host were 84/4 under 11 overs. But an unbeaten 121-run partnership between de Villiers and Stoinis gave Bangalore bowlers something to defend. De Villiers punished Mohammed Shami for 21 runs, including two sixes, and slapped another six to Hardus Viljoen in the final over before Stoinis whacked two sixes and as many sixes to steal 27 runs from the last over. De Villiers and Stoinis finished unbeaten on 82 and 46, respectively. Virat Kohli and Parthiv Patel displayed their attacking form but the attempt short lived. Kohli played a drive into the covers off Shami but Mandeep Singh caught him for 13, leaving a full house in silence. Patel, too, faced a similar fate. Murugan Ashwin got a vital breakthrough as he dismissed Patel (43), who was caught by Ravichandran Ashwin at covers. Big hitter Moeen Ali (4) and Akshdeep Nath (3) returned to the dugout in quick succession without troubling the scoreboard much. Bangalore will next play against Delhi on April 28, whereas Punjab will take on Hyderabad on April 29.

IPL 2019: Bangalore beat Punjab by 17 runs to register 4th win of the season

<p>Virat Kohli was all charged up during Bangalore's game against Punjab at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium. Bangalore not only defeated Punjab by 17 runs but also registered their third win on the trot.&nbsp;</p>

<p>But how can a game in IPL be complete without some aggression on the field. During the clash, the fans got to witness two send-off from both team's skipper.&nbsp;</p>

<p>First, it was Ashwin, who celebrated Virat Kohli's wicket with a lot of aggression, later Kohli returned the favour with an abusive send-off. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>Chasing 203 to win, Punjab needed 27 runs off the final over.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Captain Ravichandran Ashwin came to the crease and hit Umesh Yadav's first delivery for a six.&nbsp;Ashwin hoped for the same result on the next delivery too but he mistimed his shot and the ball went straight to Kohli.&nbsp;</p>

<p>After safely completing the catch, Kohli made some gestures it seemed he even abused his Indian teammate.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Karma returns!! 😅<a href="https://twitter.com/ashwinravi99?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ashwinravi99</a> started first.. Then <a href="https://twitter.com/imVkohli?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@imVkohli</a> paying back! That's it. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AshwinVsKohli?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AshwinVsKohli</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Ashwin?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Ashwin</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Kohli?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Kohli</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RCBvKXIP?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RCBvKXIP</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KXIPvRCB?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KXIPvRCB</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IPL2019?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IPL2019</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Bengaluru?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Bengaluru</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RCB?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RCB</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PlayBold?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PlayBold</a> <a href="https://t.co/cS2Vz8SxhZ">pic.twitter.com/cS2Vz8SxhZ</a></p>
— Chowkidar Shruthi Thumbri 🇮🇳 (@ShruthiThumbri) <a href="https://twitter.com/ShruthiThumbri/status/1121152587158433793?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 24, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<p>After the match, when asked about the send-off, Ashwin defended his equal number saying that they both are passionate players.</p>

<p>Sent in to bat, AB de Villiers' unbeaten 82 off 44 balls took Bangalore to a formidable 202/4.</p>

<p>In reply, Punjab finished at 185/7 in their stipulated 20 overs.</p>

<p>Bangalore, who lost their first six matches of IPL 2019, are now on eight points with three games left.</p>


Virat Kohli was all charged up during Bangalore's game against Punjab at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium. Bangalore not only defeated Punjab by 17 runs but also registered their third win on the trot.

Virat Kohli was all charged up during Bangalore's game against Punjab at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium. Bangalore not only defeated Punjab by 17 runs but also registered their third win on the trot. But how can a game in IPL be complete without some aggression on the field. During the clash, the fans got to witness two send-off from both team's skipper. First, it was Ashwin, who celebrated Virat Kohli's wicket with a lot of aggression, later Kohli returned the favour with an abusive send-off. Chasing 203 to win, Punjab needed 27 runs off the final over. Captain Ravichandran Ashwin came to the crease and hit Umesh Yadav's first delivery for a six. Ashwin hoped for the same result on the next delivery too but he mistimed his shot and the ball went straight to Kohli. After safely completing the catch, Kohli made some gestures it seemed he even abused his Indian teammate. Karma returns!! 😅@ashwinravi99 started first.. Then @imVkohli paying back! That's it. #AshwinVsKohli #Ashwin #Kohli #RCBvKXIP #KXIPvRCB #IPL2019 #Bengaluru #RCB #PlayBold pic.twitter.com/cS2Vz8SxhZ — Chowkidar Shruthi Thumbri 🇮🇳 (@ShruthiThumbri) April 24, 2019 × After the match, when asked about the send-off, Ashwin defended his equal number saying that they both are passionate players. Sent in to bat, AB de Villiers' unbeaten 82 off 44 balls took Bangalore to a formidable 202/4. In reply, Punjab finished at 185/7 in their stipulated 20 overs. Bangalore, who lost their first six matches of IPL 2019, are now on eight points with three games left.

Watch: Virat Kohli's aggressive send-off to Punjab's Ashwin, Twitter terms it 'Karma'

<p>The South African bowler Dale Steyn will miss the remaining Bangalore matches in the ongoing edition of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/ipl-2019">Indian Premier League</a> (IPL) due to inflammation in his shoulder.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Dale Steyn has been prescribed with ample rest due to inflammation in his shoulder. On account of the state of his health, Dale will not be available to take part further in the ongoing season of IPL,"&nbsp;Sanjeev Churiwala, chairman of Bangalore team said in an official statement on Thursday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Steyn was acquired by Bangalore as a replacement for the injured Australian bowler Nathan Coulter-Nile on April 12.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The 35-year-old bowler played just two matches in the ongoing edition of IPL. He took a total of four wickets in those two matches.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Steyn marked his return to Bangalore as he had earlier played for the team between 2008 and 2010 taking, 27 wickets from 28 matches.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The bowler had rejuvenated Bangalore's bowling lineup and he was a key figure in the team`s winning performances against Kolkata and Chennai in the ongoing edition of the IPL.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Bangalore are&nbsp;currently ranked at the seventh position in the IPL league standings.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The team next takes on Delhi Capitals at Feroz Shah Kotla Stadium on April 28.&nbsp;</p>


The South African bowler Dale Steyn will miss the remaining Bangalore matches in the ongoing edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) due to inflammation in his shoulder.

The South African bowler Dale Steyn will miss the remaining Bangalore matches in the ongoing edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) due to inflammation in his shoulder. "Dale Steyn has been prescribed with ample rest due to inflammation in his shoulder. On account of the state of his health, Dale will not be available to take part further in the ongoing season of IPL," Sanjeev Churiwala, chairman of Bangalore team said in an official statement on Thursday. Steyn was acquired by Bangalore as a replacement for the injured Australian bowler Nathan Coulter-Nile on April 12. The 35-year-old bowler played just two matches in the ongoing edition of IPL. He took a total of four wickets in those two matches. Steyn marked his return to Bangalore as he had earlier played for the team between 2008 and 2010 taking, 27 wickets from 28 matches. The bowler had rejuvenated Bangalore's bowling lineup and he was a key figure in the team`s winning performances against Kolkata and Chennai in the ongoing edition of the IPL. Bangalore are currently ranked at the seventh position in the IPL league standings. The team next takes on Delhi Capitals at Feroz Shah Kotla Stadium on April 28.

Dale Steyn to miss Bangalore's remaining matches in IPL

<p>Parthiv Patel, the man whose direct hit gave Bangalore an improbable one-run win over Chennai, said he was left quite surprised when Mahendra Singh Dhoni missed hitting the last ball of the cliffhanger.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Patel wasn't expecting a marauding Dhoni to miss Umesh Yadav's slower delivery before his direct throw <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2019-bangalore-just-about-manage-to-beat-ms-dhoni-led-team-in-a-last-ball-thriller-212453">sealed it for the home team</a> on Sunday night.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Dhoni scored 24 off the first five balls of the final over before missing the last ball. A scramble for one run ended in Parthiv's direct throw leaving Shardul Thakur short of his crease.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We honestly wanted him (Dhoni) to hit through the off-side on the shorter side of the ground. If he had hit it on the leg-side, there were two runs because I don't think the way he runs, there was any chance of stopping those two," an elated Patel said at the post-match press conference.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"So we wanted (Umesh) to bowl slower and outside the off-stump and surprisingly he missed it. I wasn't expecting him to miss it but surprisingly he missed it," he said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Patel said if Dhoni is around then 70 to 80 runs in the last five overs is always gettable at the Chinnaswamy.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Playing in Bangalore or Mumbai, you know that 70 runs in the last five overs is gettable. You need at least have 80-90 runs to get in last five overs to defend. So, we wanted to squeeze him.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We wanted to bowl as many dot balls to him as possible, and put pressure on other batsmen because everybody knows how MS is. He wanted the game to go down to last three-four overs and he almost won the game," said Patel.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The wicketkeeper-batsman scored his second half-century of the season and said that coach Gary Kirsten's advice of choosing the correct bowlers was key to his success.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Before the game started, I was talking to Gary and he said 'you don't have worry of anything you need to choose your bowlers' and that is exactly what I did," said Patel.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He is happy to open the batting as he can use the Powerplay overs to his advantage.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Honestly, it is great to be playing in the opening slot with Virat and AB coming in at number three. Actually, I don't have to do much. I try to make sure that I hit couple of boundaries and try and rotate the strike.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"You know, I have been working hard on my game. I have been there in Australia for a couple of months...I have been working hard and I am quite happy with the way I am batting," he said.</p>


Parthiv Patel, the man whose direct hit gave Bangalore an improbable one-run win over Chennai, said he was left quite surprised when Mahendra Singh Dhoni missed hitting the last ball of the cliffhanger.

Parthiv Patel, the man whose direct hit gave Bangalore an improbable one-run win over Chennai, said he was left quite surprised when Mahendra Singh Dhoni missed hitting the last ball of the cliffhanger. Patel wasn't expecting a marauding Dhoni to miss Umesh Yadav's slower delivery before his direct throw sealed it for the home team on Sunday night. Dhoni scored 24 off the first five balls of the final over before missing the last ball. A scramble for one run ended in Parthiv's direct throw leaving Shardul Thakur short of his crease. "We honestly wanted him (Dhoni) to hit through the off-side on the shorter side of the ground. If he had hit it on the leg-side, there were two runs because I don't think the way he runs, there was any chance of stopping those two," an elated Patel said at the post-match press conference. "So we wanted (Umesh) to bowl slower and outside the off-stump and surprisingly he missed it. I wasn't expecting him to miss it but surprisingly he missed it," he said. Patel said if Dhoni is around then 70 to 80 runs in the last five overs is always gettable at the Chinnaswamy. "Playing in Bangalore or Mumbai, you know that 70 runs in the last five overs is gettable. You need at least have 80-90 runs to get in last five overs to defend. So, we wanted to squeeze him. "We wanted to bowl as many dot balls to him as possible, and put pressure on other batsmen because everybody knows how MS is. He wanted the game to go down to last three-four overs and he almost won the game," said Patel. The wicketkeeper-batsman scored his second half-century of the season and said that coach Gary Kirsten's advice of choosing the correct bowlers was key to his success. "Before the game started, I was talking to Gary and he said 'you don't have worry of anything you need to choose your bowlers' and that is exactly what I did," said Patel. He is happy to open the batting as he can use the Powerplay overs to his advantage. "Honestly, it is great to be playing in the opening slot with Virat and AB coming in at number three. Actually, I don't have to do much. I try to make sure that I hit couple of boundaries and try and rotate the strike. "You know, I have been working hard on my game. I have been there in Australia for a couple of months...I have been working hard and I am quite happy with the way I am batting," he said.

Never expected MS Dhoni to miss that last ball: Parthiv Patel

<p>Chennai skipper <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ms-dhoni-scared-us-says-bangalore-skipper-virat-kohli-212531">MS Dhoni</a> has created yet another record during his unbeaten 48-ball 84 knock against Bangalore team on Sunday at Chinnaswamy Stadium.&nbsp;</p>

<p>First, he became the first <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2019-ms-dhoni-becomes-first-indian-to-hit-200-sixes-in-ipl-212519">Indian batsman to hit 200 sixes</a> in Indian Premier League, besides he&nbsp;also hit the biggest six in the history of IPL.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In his 84-run knock, Dhoni hit five fours and seven sixes, including the record-breaking giant 111-metre long sixer over wide long-on. He broke Hardik Pandya's record of 104-metre long six.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In the last over, when Chennai needed 26 runs to win, Dhoni launched his assault by hitting a four to deep square leg. He hit three sixes and a four to bring his side closer to victory.&nbsp;</p>

<p>One of those last-over sixers&nbsp;landed on the stadium roof (maybe crossed the stadium) and created the record.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch the video:</strong></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Out of the Park SIX 💪💪💪<br />
<br />
Biggest Six(111m) of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IPL2019?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IPL2019</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Dhoni?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Dhoni</a> the Powerhouse 💥💥💥 <a href="https://t.co/trRqoUc6kM">pic.twitter.com/trRqoUc6kM</a></p>
— Serendipity ❤ (@PoornaPradeep4) <a href="https://twitter.com/PoornaPradeep4/status/1120043493512994816?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 21, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">111m six by dhoni..<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RCBvsCSK?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RCBvsCSK</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Chinnaswamy?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Chinnaswamy</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Dhoni?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Dhoni</a> <a href="https://t.co/xixg8zkzJL">pic.twitter.com/xixg8zkzJL</a></p>
— Ravikumar (@Ravikumarceg) <a href="https://twitter.com/Ravikumarceg/status/1120045185348423680?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 21, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<p>Although Dhoni's swashbuckling knock went in vain as Bangalore edged past Chennai in a last-ball thriller to keep their playoff hopes alive.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Dhoni almost pulled off Chennai's chase of 161 but his side lose by one run in Bangalore.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Despite losing the match, Dhoni earned praises for his marvellous performance, even Bangalore skipper Virat Kohli said that "MS did what he does best".</p>


Chennai skipper MS Dhoni has created yet another record during his unbeaten 48-ball 84 knock against Bangalore team on Sunday at Chinnaswamy Stadium. First, he became the first Indian batsman to hit 200 sixes in Indian Premier League, besides he also hit the biggest six in the history of IPL.

Chennai skipper MS Dhoni has created yet another record during his unbeaten 48-ball 84 knock against Bangalore team on Sunday at Chinnaswamy Stadium. First, he became the first Indian batsman to hit 200 sixes in Indian Premier League, besides he also hit the biggest six in the history of IPL. In his 84-run knock, Dhoni hit five fours and seven sixes, including the record-breaking giant 111-metre long sixer over wide long-on. He broke Hardik Pandya's record of 104-metre long six. In the last over, when Chennai needed 26 runs to win, Dhoni launched his assault by hitting a four to deep square leg. He hit three sixes and a four to bring his side closer to victory. One of those last-over sixers landed on the stadium roof (maybe crossed the stadium) and created the record. Watch the video: Out of the Park SIX 💪💪💪 Biggest Six(111m) of #IPL2019 #Dhoni the Powerhouse 💥💥💥 pic.twitter.com/trRqoUc6kM — Serendipity ❤ (@PoornaPradeep4) April 21, 2019 × 111m six by dhoni..#RCBvsCSK #Chinnaswamy #Dhoni pic.twitter.com/xixg8zkzJL — Ravikumar (@Ravikumarceg) April 21, 2019 × Although Dhoni's swashbuckling knock went in vain as Bangalore edged past Chennai in a last-ball thriller to keep their playoff hopes alive. Dhoni almost pulled off Chennai's chase of 161 but his side lose by one run in Bangalore. Despite losing the match, Dhoni earned praises for his marvellous performance, even Bangalore skipper Virat Kohli said that "MS did what he does best".

Watch: MS Dhoni's record 111-metre long sixer that crossed the stadium

<p>Virat Kohli said that <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2019-ms-dhoni-becomes-first-indian-to-hit-200-sixes-in-ipl-212519">MS Dhoni</a> had "scared" him during the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2019-bangalore-just-about-manage-to-beat-ms-dhoni-led-team-in-a-last-ball-thriller-212453">Sunday's game between Bangalore and Chennai</a> as Dhoni's nearly won the match for Chennai with an unbeaten 84 off 48 balls.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Chasing a target of 162, Chennai needed a near-impossible 26 off the last over bowled by Umesh Yadav.&nbsp;</p>

<p>But Dhoni three sixes and a four to bring his side closer to victory, however, in the end, it was Dhoni who lost to Bangalore, who eked out their third win of the tournament.&nbsp;</p>

<p>During the post-match presentation, Virat said, "MS did what he does best and he gave us all a massive scare."</p>

<p>"A whole lot of emotions. Feels good to win a game by a small margin," said Kohli when asked about what he was going through after yet another last-ball thriller. &nbsp;</p>

<p>"We were outstanding with the ball until the 19th over mark. On the last ball, that (run-out) was the last thing I would have expected to happen."&nbsp;</p>

<p>"A lot of boundaries were needed, right now you can calculate, one run there, and two runs there and we just lost by one run. But you can also say we missed some boundaries," Dhoni said.&nbsp;</p>


Virat Kohli said that MS Dhoni had "scared" him during the Sunday's game between Bangalore and Chennai as Dhoni's nearly won the match for Chennai with an unbeaten 84 off 48 balls.

Virat Kohli said that MS Dhoni had "scared" him during the Sunday's game between Bangalore and Chennai as Dhoni's nearly won the match for Chennai with an unbeaten 84 off 48 balls. Chasing a target of 162, Chennai needed a near-impossible 26 off the last over bowled by Umesh Yadav. But Dhoni three sixes and a four to bring his side closer to victory, however, in the end, it was Dhoni who lost to Bangalore, who eked out their third win of the tournament. During the post-match presentation, Virat said, "MS did what he does best and he gave us all a massive scare." "A whole lot of emotions. Feels good to win a game by a small margin," said Kohli when asked about what he was going through after yet another last-ball thriller. "We were outstanding with the ball until the 19th over mark. On the last ball, that (run-out) was the last thing I would have expected to happen." "A lot of boundaries were needed, right now you can calculate, one run there, and two runs there and we just lost by one run. But you can also say we missed some boundaries," Dhoni said.

MS Dhoni 'scared' us, says Bangalore skipper Virat Kohli

<p>Bangalore eked out a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/live-updates-ipl-2019-kolkata-knight-riders-vs-royal-challengers-bangalore-211863">10-run win over Kolkata</a> for only their second success of the season after Andre Russell and Nitish Rana nearly pulled off the impossible in the Indian Premier League on Friday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Needing 113 runs off the last six overs, Russell (65 off 25) and Rana (85 not out off 46) almost got their team over the line but Moeen Ali managed to defend 24 in the final over.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The tense climax came after Virat Kohli smashed 100 off 58 balls for his fifth century in the IPL and first this season. Bangalore hammered 91 runs off the last five overs to reach 213 for four, their highest total this year.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Ali's 66 off 28 while batting alongside Kohli also proved crucial for Bangalore's cause as they finally managed to defend.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/watch-virat-kohlis-hilarious-reaction-after-avoiding-mankad-run-out-against-kolkata-211920">Virat Kohli's hilarious reaction after avoiding 'Mankad' run out against Kolkata</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>The win keeps Bangalore mathematically alive in the tournament while Kolkata suffered their fourth loss in as many games.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Following a Kohli special, it was the turn of swing king Dale Steyn to land some body blows on the opposition. Playing his first game of the season after having come in as a replacement, the South African great removed Chris Lynn and Shubman Gill to leave Kolkata reeling at 33 for three in five overs.</p>

<p>Russell tried his best to pull off another improbable chase for Kolkata in the company of Nitish Rana but this time it wasn't to be.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Earlier, it was Ali who gave the much-needed oxygen to their innings, smashing six sixes and five fours to seize momentum after a slow start. Kohli and Ali shared 90 runs off 43 balls and there was no looking back after Ali's assault.</p>

<p>The match swung in the 16th over when Kuldeep Yadav bled 27 runs with Ali going berserk, smashing the star India spinner for three sixes and two boundaries. The chinaman ended with figures of 1/59 in four overs.</p>

<p>Kohli, who scored his first 50 off 40 balls, changed gears in the second half of his innings. Such was his domination that Kohli took just 17 balls for his second fifty.</p>

<p>Put in, Bangalore got off to an ordinary start and the absence of AB de Villiers, who was indisposed following dehydration, was felt very much.</p>

<p>Kohli mistimed the ball with a couple of inside-edges to the boundary, while his left-handed opening parter Parthiv Patel (11 off 11) had a hit-and-miss stay before falling to Sunil Narine inside the powerplay.&nbsp;</p>


Bangalore eked out a 10-run win over Kolkata for only their second success of the season after Andre Russell and Nitish Rana nearly pulled off the impossible in the Indian Premier League on Friday.

Bangalore eked out a 10-run win over Kolkata for only their second success of the season after Andre Russell and Nitish Rana nearly pulled off the impossible in the Indian Premier League on Friday. Needing 113 runs off the last six overs, Russell (65 off 25) and Rana (85 not out off 46) almost got their team over the line but Moeen Ali managed to defend 24 in the final over. The tense climax came after Virat Kohli smashed 100 off 58 balls for his fifth century in the IPL and first this season. Bangalore hammered 91 runs off the last five overs to reach 213 for four, their highest total this year. Ali's 66 off 28 while batting alongside Kohli also proved crucial for Bangalore's cause as they finally managed to defend. Watch: Virat Kohli's hilarious reaction after avoiding 'Mankad' run out against Kolkata The win keeps Bangalore mathematically alive in the tournament while Kolkata suffered their fourth loss in as many games. Following a Kohli special, it was the turn of swing king Dale Steyn to land some body blows on the opposition. Playing his first game of the season after having come in as a replacement, the South African great removed Chris Lynn and Shubman Gill to leave Kolkata reeling at 33 for three in five overs. Russell tried his best to pull off another improbable chase for Kolkata in the company of Nitish Rana but this time it wasn't to be. Earlier, it was Ali who gave the much-needed oxygen to their innings, smashing six sixes and five fours to seize momentum after a slow start. Kohli and Ali shared 90 runs off 43 balls and there was no looking back after Ali's assault. The match swung in the 16th over when Kuldeep Yadav bled 27 runs with Ali going berserk, smashing the star India spinner for three sixes and two boundaries. The chinaman ended with figures of 1/59 in four overs. Kohli, who scored his first 50 off 40 balls, changed gears in the second half of his innings. Such was his domination that Kohli took just 17 balls for his second fifty. Put in, Bangalore got off to an ordinary start and the absence of AB de Villiers, who was indisposed following dehydration, was felt very much. Kohli mistimed the ball with a couple of inside-edges to the boundary, while his left-handed opening parter Parthiv Patel (11 off 11) had a hit-and-miss stay before falling to Sunil Narine inside the powerplay.

IPL 2019: Bangalore mathematically alive in tournament after defeating Kolkata by 10 runs

<p>Bangalore captain Virat Kohli credited England all-rounder Moeen Ali's blistering knock of 66 off 28 deliveries for changing the game and helping deliver a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2019-bangalore-mathematically-alive-in-tournament-after-defeating-kolkata-by-10-runs-211941">10-run win over Kolkata</a> in the Indian Premier League.&nbsp;</p>

<p>While <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/watch-virat-kohlis-hilarious-reaction-after-avoiding-mankad-run-out-against-kolkata-211920">Kohli</a> smashed a 58-ball 100 for the India skipper's fifth IPL century that helped his team reach 213-4, it was Moeen's knock that changed the momentum and laid the platform for Bangalore's late assault against&nbsp;Kolkata.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The wicket was doing a bit early on, length balls were very difficult to get away ... the way Mo came in and he batted, it just took momentum away from them and put it right back into our lap," Kohli said at the post-match presentation.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"He changed the game completely and that allowed me to play through. I could accelerate in the end just because of the way Moeen played there."</p>

<p>Batting at number four, the 31-year-old Moeen, who has been named in England's preliminary squad for the World Cup, dominated the 90-run stand with Kohli that gave Bangalore the momentum after a slow start.&nbsp;</p>

<p>With Bangalore at 59-2 in the ninth over, the left-handed batsman came in and hit six sixes -- three of them in a 27-run over against India left-arm spinner Kuldeep Yadav -- and five fours in his knock.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Bangalore, still rooted to the bottom of the IPL table after recording just their second win in nine matches, then added 64 from their last four overs as Kohli opened up.</p>

<p>"He (Moeen) said 'I am going to go now'. My job at that point of time was just to give him clarity, so I said 'go for it'," Kohli added.</p>

<p>"He targeted the small boundary, was smart about where he hit the sixes that he hit. He changed the game completely in those two-three overs.</p>

<p>"Moeen made my job way easier and I could accelerate in the end perfectly."</p>

<p>Kolkata made it close, reaching 203-5 after a 118-run stand for the fifth wicket between Nitish Rana, who made an unbeaten 85, and West Indies power-hitter Andre Russell (25-ball 65), before falling to their fourth consecutive loss.</p>


Bangalore captain Virat Kohli credited England all-rounder Moeen Ali's blistering knock of 66 off 28 deliveries for changing the game and helping deliver a 10-run win over Kolkata in the Indian Premier League.

Bangalore captain Virat Kohli credited England all-rounder Moeen Ali's blistering knock of 66 off 28 deliveries for changing the game and helping deliver a 10-run win over Kolkata in the Indian Premier League. While Kohli smashed a 58-ball 100 for the India skipper's fifth IPL century that helped his team reach 213-4, it was Moeen's knock that changed the momentum and laid the platform for Bangalore's late assault against Kolkata. "The wicket was doing a bit early on, length balls were very difficult to get away ... the way Mo came in and he batted, it just took momentum away from them and put it right back into our lap," Kohli said at the post-match presentation. "He changed the game completely and that allowed me to play through. I could accelerate in the end just because of the way Moeen played there." Batting at number four, the 31-year-old Moeen, who has been named in England's preliminary squad for the World Cup, dominated the 90-run stand with Kohli that gave Bangalore the momentum after a slow start. With Bangalore at 59-2 in the ninth over, the left-handed batsman came in and hit six sixes -- three of them in a 27-run over against India left-arm spinner Kuldeep Yadav -- and five fours in his knock. Bangalore, still rooted to the bottom of the IPL table after recording just their second win in nine matches, then added 64 from their last four overs as Kohli opened up. "He (Moeen) said 'I am going to go now'. My job at that point of time was just to give him clarity, so I said 'go for it'," Kohli added. "He targeted the small boundary, was smart about where he hit the sixes that he hit. He changed the game completely in those two-three overs. "Moeen made my job way easier and I could accelerate in the end perfectly." Kolkata made it close, reaching 203-5 after a 118-run stand for the fifth wicket between Nitish Rana, who made an unbeaten 85, and West Indies power-hitter Andre Russell (25-ball 65), before falling to their fourth consecutive loss.

IPL 2019: Kohli credits game-changer Moeen after Bangalore win

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