Virat Kohli's group endured their first loss in IPL 2021 against the Chennai Super Kings recently. Subsequent to losing the toss, Royal Challengers Bangalore were given a target of 191 runs. While chasing, they could score just 122 runs in their 20 overs as they lost by 69 runs.&nbsp;

Royal Challengers Bangalore skipper Virat Kohli has been fined 12 lakh as his team maintained a slow over-rate in their IPL 2021 fixture against the Chennai Super Kings.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2021-looking-at-his-body-language-virender-sehwag-questions-sanju-samsons-captaincy-380185" hreflang="en">IPL 2021- 'Looking at his body language': Virender Sehwag questions Sanju Samson's captaincy</a>

Virat Kohli has gotten away from a ban since it was his team's first offense. As per the new guidelines of IPL, if a team can't finish an innings in an hour and a half, the officials will fine the captain.

The first offense will draw a punishment of 12 lakh, and a similar will increment to 24 lakh for the subsequent offense.&nbsp;

If the neglects to keep up the needed throughout rate the third time, the captain will get a 30 lakh ban and a one-match ban. Earlier in IPL 2021, Chennai Super Kings skipper MS Dhoni and Mumbai Indians captain Rohit Sharma have been fined 12 lakh each for their team's slow over-rate.

Virat Kohli's group endured their first loss in IPL 2021 against the Chennai Super Kings recently. Subsequent to losing the toss, Royal Challengers Bangalore were given a target of 191 runs.

Virat Kohli's group endured their first loss in IPL 2021 against the Chennai Super Kings recently. Subsequent to losing the toss, Royal Challengers Bangalore were given a target of 191 runs. While chasing, they could score just 122 runs in their 20 overs as they lost by 69 runs. Royal Challengers Bangalore skipper Virat Kohli has been fined 12 lakh as his team maintained a slow over-rate in their IPL 2021 fixture against the Chennai Super Kings. ALSO READ: IPL 2021- 'Looking at his body language': Virender Sehwag questions Sanju Samson's captaincy Virat Kohli has gotten away from a ban since it was his team's first offense. As per the new guidelines of IPL, if a team can't finish an innings in an hour and a half, the officials will fine the captain. The first offense will draw a punishment of 12 lakh, and a similar will increment to 24 lakh for the subsequent offense. If the neglects to keep up the needed throughout rate the third time, the captain will get a 30 lakh ban and a one-match ban. Earlier in IPL 2021, Chennai Super Kings skipper MS Dhoni and Mumbai Indians captain Rohit Sharma have been fined 12 lakh each for their team's slow over-rate.

IPL 2021: RCB skipper Virat Kohli fined for slow over rate

Royal Challengers Bangalore players&nbsp;Adam Zampa and Kane Richardson have pulled out of IPL 2021. The two bowlers will be getting back to Australia because of personal reasons and will be inaccessible for the remainder of the league.&nbsp;

RCB announced the development&nbsp;on Monday, reiterating that they respect the duo’s decision.

Despite the fact that RCB didn't give a justification for Adam Zampa and Kane Richardson's withdrawal, numerous media reports have indicated that India's developing COVID-19 cases might have prompted their takeoff.&nbsp;

Several overseas players, particularly from Australia, are thinking about leaving IPL 2021 to keep away from the danger of not having the option to get back later. That comes as a few nations have restricted departures from India attributable to the devastating second influx of the COVID-19 pandemic.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/jadeja-playing-well-opens-many-options-for-team-india-says-kohli-380198" hreflang="en">Jadeja playing well opens many options for Team India, says Kohli</a>

Adam Zampa and Kane Richardson get back only days after the Australian government declared that it would decrease the number of allowed flights showing up from India by 30%. Numerous different Australians have communicated their interests in the crumbling circumstance in India, with Delhi Capitals mentor Ricky Ponting calling the circumstance 'very grim'.&nbsp;

The RCB duo turns into the furthest down-the-line players to leave the IPL 2021 bio-bubble this week after Rajasthan Royals pacer Andre Tye and Delhi Capitals spinner Ravichandran Ashwin did likewise in the course of the most recent couple of days.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-maxwell-to-dhawan-five-players-who-have-rocked-ipl-2021-so-far-379570" hreflang="en">From Maxwell to Dhawan: Five players who have rocked IPL 2021 so far</a>

Adam Zampa and Kane Richardson's unavailability brings the number of abroad players at Royal Challengers Bangalore's down to six. The franchise will currently have the choice of naming substitutions, and it is not yet clear who RCB get&nbsp;to fill their decreased squad now.

Royal Challengers Bangalore players Adam Zampa and Kane Richardson have pulled out of IPL 2021. The two bowlers will be getting back to Australia because of personal reasons and will be inaccessible for the remainder of the league.

Royal Challengers Bangalore players Adam Zampa and Kane Richardson have pulled out of IPL 2021. The two bowlers will be getting back to Australia because of personal reasons and will be inaccessible for the remainder of the league. RCB announced the development on Monday, reiterating that they respect the duo’s decision. Despite the fact that RCB didn't give a justification for Adam Zampa and Kane Richardson's withdrawal, numerous media reports have indicated that India's developing COVID-19 cases might have prompted their takeoff. Several overseas players, particularly from Australia, are thinking about leaving IPL 2021 to keep away from the danger of not having the option to get back later. That comes as a few nations have restricted departures from India attributable to the devastating second influx of the COVID-19 pandemic. ALSO READ: Jadeja playing well opens many options for Team India, says Kohli Adam Zampa and Kane Richardson get back only days after the Australian government declared that it would decrease the number of allowed flights showing up from India by 30%. Numerous different Australians have communicated their interests in the crumbling circumstance in India, with Delhi Capitals mentor Ricky Ponting calling the circumstance 'very grim'. The RCB duo turns into the furthest down-the-line players to leave the IPL 2021 bio-bubble this week after Rajasthan Royals pacer Andre Tye and Delhi Capitals spinner Ravichandran Ashwin did likewise in the course of the most recent couple of days. ALSO READ: From Maxwell to Dhawan: Five players who have rocked IPL 2021 so far Adam Zampa and Kane Richardson's unavailability brings the number of abroad players at Royal Challengers Bangalore's down to six. The franchise will currently have the choice of naming substitutions, and it is not yet clear who RCB get to fill their decreased squad now.

RCB's Kane Richardson, Adam Zampa pull out of IPL 2021, to fly back to Australia

Proceeding into the IPL, both, Chennai Super Kings and Royal Challengers Bangalore were viewed as sides that probably won't set the IPL stage ablaze. Certainly not after last season. In any case, that is the excellence of the competition - you generally expect the unforeseen. However, 18 games into the competition both look revitalized after a sketchy 2020 release and somewhat, even appear to be commendable competitors for the title.

<h2 class="MsoNormal">CSK vs RCB: Head to head</h2>

Chennai Super Kings lead the head-to-head record against the Royal Challengers Bangalore by 16-9, of the 26 matches played. The two teams enrolled one win against one another in IPL 2020.&nbsp;

<h2 class="MsoNormal">Chennai Super Kings</h2>

Faf du Plessis appears to be in some form, amidst not playing a lot of worldwide cricket of late, while Ambati Rayudu and Suresh Raina have likewise looked near their best. Ruturaj Gaikwad, then, has recuperated after a concise droop in structure and was glorious against KKR in CSK's latest experience.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-maxwell-to-dhawan-five-players-who-have-rocked-ipl-2021-so-far-379570" hreflang="en">From Maxwell to Dhawan: Five players who have rocked IPL 2021 so far</a>

Moeen Ali and Sam Curran, as well, have furnished CSK with the imperative push through the middle overs and the death overs, implying that CSK, at this point, looks like a complete batting unit.

MS Dhoni is the most elevated run-getter for his team in matches versus RCB. The CSK captain has amassed 735 runs. Among current CSK players, Dwayne Bravo - 13 wickets have taken the most wickets against RCB.

CSK Probable XI: Ruturaj Gaikwad, Faf du Plessis, Moeen Ali, Suresh Raina, Ambati Rayudu, MS Dhoni, Sam Curran, Ravindra Jadeja, Deepak Chahar, Shardul Thakur, Lungi Ngidi.

<h2 class="MsoNormal">Royal Challengers Bangalore</h2>

Royal Challengers Bangalore, the ceaseless, have discovered an equation that has served them uncommonly up until this point. Their batting, containing any semblance of AB de Villiers, Devdutt Padikkal, Glenn Maxwell, and obviously, Virat Kohli has flattened resistance sides into the ground.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/its-unbelievable-sunil-gavaskar-in-awe-of-ravi-shastris-man-management-skills-379950" hreflang="en">'There is no better man than Ravi Shastri to give encouragement to&nbsp;youngsters' - Sunil Gavaskar</a>

Virat Kohli has scored 901 runs versus the Chennai Super Kings in the IPL - the most by any RCB batsman. In the interim, Yuzvendra Chahal has gotten 12 wickets against Chennai Super Kings.&nbsp;

Harshal Patel, as things stand, drives the wicket-taking outlines, though Kyle Jamieson and Mohammed Siraj are likewise not a long ways behind. All the more stunningly, however, they've discovered approaches to keep batsmen silent, even in two different conditions.

RCB Probable XI: Devdutt Padikkal, Virat Kohli, Shahbaz Ahmed, Glenn Maxwell, AB de Villiers, Washington Sundar, Kyle Jamieson, Kane Richardson/Daniel Sams, Harshal Patel, Mohammed Siraj, Yuzvendra Chahal.

One team has the firecrackers to pull out all the stops; the other has the best batting profundity. Furthermore, it's a challenge at the Wankhede Stadium, where bowlers, turn away. Something, which awaits a cracking contest. 
&nbsp;

Proceeding into the IPL, both, Chennai Super Kings and Royal Challengers Bangalore were viewed as sides that probably won't set the IPL stage ablaze. Certainly not after last season.

Proceeding into the IPL, both, Chennai Super Kings and Royal Challengers Bangalore were viewed as sides that probably won't set the IPL stage ablaze. Certainly not after last season. In any case, that is the excellence of the competition - you generally expect the unforeseen. However, 18 games into the competition both look revitalized after a sketchy 2020 release and somewhat, even appear to be commendable competitors for the title. CSK vs RCB: Head to head Chennai Super Kings lead the head-to-head record against the Royal Challengers Bangalore by 16-9, of the 26 matches played. The two teams enrolled one win against one another in IPL 2020. Chennai Super Kings Faf du Plessis appears to be in some form, amidst not playing a lot of worldwide cricket of late, while Ambati Rayudu and Suresh Raina have likewise looked near their best. Ruturaj Gaikwad, then, has recuperated after a concise droop in structure and was glorious against KKR in CSK's latest experience. ALSO READ: From Maxwell to Dhawan: Five players who have rocked IPL 2021 so far Moeen Ali and Sam Curran, as well, have furnished CSK with the imperative push through the middle overs and the death overs, implying that CSK, at this point, looks like a complete batting unit. MS Dhoni is the most elevated run-getter for his team in matches versus RCB. The CSK captain has amassed 735 runs. Among current CSK players, Dwayne Bravo - 13 wickets have taken the most wickets against RCB. CSK Probable XI: Ruturaj Gaikwad, Faf du Plessis, Moeen Ali, Suresh Raina, Ambati Rayudu, MS Dhoni, Sam Curran, Ravindra Jadeja, Deepak Chahar, Shardul Thakur, Lungi Ngidi. Royal Challengers Bangalore Royal Challengers Bangalore, the ceaseless, have discovered an equation that has served them uncommonly up until this point. Their batting, containing any semblance of AB de Villiers, Devdutt Padikkal, Glenn Maxwell, and obviously, Virat Kohli has flattened resistance sides into the ground. ALSO READ: 'There is no better man than Ravi Shastri to give encouragement to youngsters' - Sunil Gavaskar Virat Kohli has scored 901 runs versus the Chennai Super Kings in the IPL - the most by any RCB batsman. In the interim, Yuzvendra Chahal has gotten 12 wickets against Chennai Super Kings. Harshal Patel, as things stand, drives the wicket-taking outlines, though Kyle Jamieson and Mohammed Siraj are likewise not a long ways behind. All the more stunningly, however, they've discovered approaches to keep batsmen silent, even in two different conditions. RCB Probable XI: Devdutt Padikkal, Virat Kohli, Shahbaz Ahmed, Glenn Maxwell, AB de Villiers, Washington Sundar, Kyle Jamieson, Kane Richardson/Daniel Sams, Harshal Patel, Mohammed Siraj, Yuzvendra Chahal. One team has the firecrackers to pull out all the stops; the other has the best batting profundity. Furthermore, it's a challenge at the Wankhede Stadium, where bowlers, turn away. Something, which awaits a cracking contest.

IPL 2021, CSK vs RCB - Top of the table clash on cards in Dhoni vs Kohli face-off

Jasprit Bumrah has led Team India's bowling attack for some time now. The pacer's ability to choke the batsmen in death overs has earned him a world-class reputation. However, former Indian pacer Ashish Nehra feels that there is another Indian bowler who is better than Bumrah in terms of 'skills'.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/didnt-know-how-to-face-my-teammates-andre-russell-on-staircase-moment-after-dismissal-vs-csk-379866" hreflang="en">Didn't know how to face my teammates: Andre Russell on staircase moment after dismissal vs CSK</a>

Ashish Nehra feels Mohammed Siraj has more skills than Bumrah. "When you talk about skill, this has been my thinking in the last three-fours years. When it comes to bowlers, everyone talks about Jasprit Bumrah being right up there. But skill wise, I don't think Siraj is behind Bumrah, and in all formats," Nehra said in a video on Cricbuzz.

"There was talk about a couple of years ago that he used to pick up 5-6 wickets in every match for India A with the red ball, and I've always believed that a good red-ball bowler, a Test match bowler has a greater chance of succeeding as a white-ball bowler."

"There are some bowlers whom you include only for T20s, for white-ball matches. So In think Siraj is a very good all-format bowler. There is no shortage skill, he has all type of variations. I would in fact say that skill wise, he is even ahead of Bumrah, if you talk of variations," Nehra explained.

"He has a different slower one, there is no lack of speed, he can move the new ball. He needs to keep his fitness and sharpen his mind. If he can do these two things well, sky is the limit."

Mohammed Siraj has been in some form since the Australian tour and is one of the successful bowlers in the ongoing IPL.&nbsp;

Jasprit Bumrah has led Team India's bowling attack for some time now. The pacer's ability to choke the batsmen in death overs has earned him a world-class reputation.

Jasprit Bumrah has led Team India's bowling attack for some time now. The pacer's ability to choke the batsmen in death overs has earned him a world-class reputation. However, former Indian pacer Ashish Nehra feels that there is another Indian bowler who is better than Bumrah in terms of 'skills'. ALSO READ: Didn't know how to face my teammates: Andre Russell on staircase moment after dismissal vs CSK Ashish Nehra feels Mohammed Siraj has more skills than Bumrah. "When you talk about skill, this has been my thinking in the last three-fours years. When it comes to bowlers, everyone talks about Jasprit Bumrah being right up there. But skill wise, I don't think Siraj is behind Bumrah, and in all formats," Nehra said in a video on Cricbuzz. "There was talk about a couple of years ago that he used to pick up 5-6 wickets in every match for India A with the red ball, and I've always believed that a good red-ball bowler, a Test match bowler has a greater chance of succeeding as a white-ball bowler." "There are some bowlers whom you include only for T20s, for white-ball matches. So In think Siraj is a very good all-format bowler. There is no shortage skill, he has all type of variations. I would in fact say that skill wise, he is even ahead of Bumrah, if you talk of variations," Nehra explained. "He has a different slower one, there is no lack of speed, he can move the new ball. He needs to keep his fitness and sharpen his mind. If he can do these two things well, sky is the limit." Mohammed Siraj has been in some form since the Australian tour and is one of the successful bowlers in the ongoing IPL.

IPL 2021- Ashish Nehra feels Mohammed Siraj is better than Jasprit Bumrah 'skill wise'

Ahead of IPL 2021, RCB captain Virat Kohli gave a striking admonition saying he would open the batting for his side in the current year’s season of the IPL.&nbsp;

Numerous fans and experts feel Virat Kohli is most appropriate to open the innings and view this as a certifiable benefit for RCB. Considering the dream season he had in IPL 2016 season that saw him pile up 973 runs and drag his team to the final. Virat Kohli has been a force to be reckoned with for RCB since the debut season of the Indian Premier League and has likewise been their captain since 2013. Since 2008, he has scored up five centuries, 40 fifties, and 6021 runs at an average of 38.35. He is presently the highest run-scorer in IPL history.

The Journey From 2008-2021

If you believe that legends are conceived, you are totally off-base. The manner in which Virat Kohli began his IPL venture is a living illustration of how difficult work and commitment can take you from earth to the stars. In the maiden IPL season, he made a meagre of 165 runs in the 13 matches at an average of 15. He was obtained by Royal Challengers Bangalore at 20 lakhs as a component of their U-23 portion after his brilliant exhibitions in the U19 World Cup.&nbsp;

In 2009, all things considered, when you don’t begin something on a flying note, you anticipate a leap forward at any rate in the subsequent endeavor. Notwithstanding, it didn’t occur on account of Virat Kohli. In spite of the fact that RCB made it to the finals of the competition, Virat couldn’t make the most of it.

In 2011, this is the point at which the world saw the brief looks at a legend in making. Virat thought of an alternate demeanor and it to a great extent influenced his presentation. He scored more than 550 runs, remembering some attractive thumps for the pressing fact or circumstance.

If you feel that everything goes well once you get in the retribution, you are again off-base. Awful occasions don’t thump on the entryway prior to making the section. The equivalent was the situation with Virat Kohli, in the wake of doing extremely well in the 2011 version; he had a normal 2012 IPL, scoring 364 runs in the 16 games.&nbsp;

Things improve with time is a legend. They can deteriorate from great too. The great 2014 season was trailed by a depressed show as he neglected to have an effect both as a batsman just as chief of RCB in IPL 2015. He made a humble 354 runs while Bangalore likewise finished the season at the lower part of the table.&nbsp;

In 2015, after a forgettable last season, he made a solid rebound in the eighth version of IPL, crossing the 500-run mark with the bat, which assisted Royal Challengers Bangalore with qualifying the end of the season games of the period.&nbsp;

IPL 2016 to date, we can securely say was Virat Kohli’s IPL. He was at his best in IPL 2016, where he scored an incredible 973 runs in 16 innings at a dumbfounding normal of 81.08. He had scored 4 hundred and 7 fifties.

Things were going all well. In any case, out of nowhere everything changed in a day as the game definitely knows no kindness. A serious physical issue constrained Kohli to sit out of the underlying matches of IPL 2017. He however returned back, notwithstanding, couldn’t do a lot, scoring 309 runs at a normal of 30.&nbsp;

The appalling 10th version of IPL with the bat was trailed by a complete last season. He made glimmering 530 runs at a standard decent normal of 48, notwithstanding, bombing again to direct Royal Challengers Bangalore to the end of the season games of the competition. The establishment completed 6th in the focuses table with 6 successes in the 14 games.

Royal Challengers Bangalore skipper Virat Kohli had finally come to the party in IPL 2019. The world’s best batsman became the highest scorer in the Indian Premier League in the match vs. KKR and also recorded his 5th IPL century and ended the season by scoring 464 runs in 14 matches.

Towards the beginning of the IPL season, Kohli was battling with his structure and pulled in a great deal of analysis from investigators. In any case, the Team India captain battled against the chances to discover his cadence and once he got rolling it was hard to stop him. He finished with 466 runs in 15 matches at an average of 42.36 in 2020. He crushed three half-hundreds of years and is probably going to complete in the best 10 most elevated run-scorers in this release of the IPL.

Royal Challengers Bangalore captain Virat Kohli became the first player in IPL history to aggregate 6,000 runs. He accomplished this feat during his knock against Rajasthan Royals at the Wankhede Stadium.

Heading into the match against the Royals, Virat Kohli had 5,949 runs to his name in 195 matches. Playing his 188th innings, the RCB captain recorded his 40th half-century to set up his team’s success and furthermore touched the 6,000-run milestone.

The Royal Challengers Bangalore can only thank him for all the knocks that were a display of the stroke play of highest quality, temperament, and technique almost at a peak for several years and they would wish for many more runs and milestones in the future from their captain.

Ahead of IPL 2021, RCB captain Virat Kohli gave a striking admonition saying he would open the batting for his side in the current year’s season of the IPL. Numerous fans and experts feel Virat Kohli is most appropriate to open the innings and view this as a certifiable benefit for RCB.

Ahead of IPL 2021, RCB captain Virat Kohli gave a striking admonition saying he would open the batting for his side in the current year’s season of the IPL. Numerous fans and experts feel Virat Kohli is most appropriate to open the innings and view this as a certifiable benefit for RCB. Considering the dream season he had in IPL 2016 season that saw him pile up 973 runs and drag his team to the final. Virat Kohli has been a force to be reckoned with for RCB since the debut season of the Indian Premier League and has likewise been their captain since 2013. Since 2008, he has scored up five centuries, 40 fifties, and 6021 runs at an average of 38.35. He is presently the highest run-scorer in IPL history. The Journey From 2008-2021 If you believe that legends are conceived, you are totally off-base. The manner in which Virat Kohli began his IPL venture is a living illustration of how difficult work and commitment can take you from earth to the stars. In the maiden IPL season, he made a meagre of 165 runs in the 13 matches at an average of 15. He was obtained by Royal Challengers Bangalore at 20 lakhs as a component of their U-23 portion after his brilliant exhibitions in the U19 World Cup. In 2009, all things considered, when you don’t begin something on a flying note, you anticipate a leap forward at any rate in the subsequent endeavor. Notwithstanding, it didn’t occur on account of Virat Kohli. In spite of the fact that RCB made it to the finals of the competition, Virat couldn’t make the most of it. In 2011, this is the point at which the world saw the brief looks at a legend in making. Virat thought of an alternate demeanor and it to a great extent influenced his presentation. He scored more than 550 runs, remembering some attractive thumps for the pressing fact or circumstance. If you feel that everything goes well once you get in the retribution, you are again off-base. Awful occasions don’t thump on the entryway prior to making the section. The equivalent was the situation with Virat Kohli, in the wake of doing extremely well in the 2011 version; he had a normal 2012 IPL, scoring 364 runs in the 16 games. Things improve with time is a legend. They can deteriorate from great too. The great 2014 season was trailed by a depressed show as he neglected to have an effect both as a batsman just as chief of RCB in IPL 2015. He made a humble 354 runs while Bangalore likewise finished the season at the lower part of the table. In 2015, after a forgettable last season, he made a solid rebound in the eighth version of IPL, crossing the 500-run mark with the bat, which assisted Royal Challengers Bangalore with qualifying the end of the season games of the period. IPL 2016 to date, we can securely say was Virat Kohli’s IPL. He was at his best in IPL 2016, where he scored an incredible 973 runs in 16 innings at a dumbfounding normal of 81.08. He had scored 4 hundred and 7 fifties. Things were going all well. In any case, out of nowhere everything changed in a day as the game definitely knows no kindness. A serious physical issue constrained Kohli to sit out of the underlying matches of IPL 2017. He however returned back, notwithstanding, couldn’t do a lot, scoring 309 runs at a normal of 30. The appalling 10th version of IPL with the bat was trailed by a complete last season. He made glimmering 530 runs at a standard decent normal of 48, notwithstanding, bombing again to direct Royal Challengers Bangalore to the end of the season games of the competition. The establishment completed 6th in the focuses table with 6 successes in the 14 games. Royal Challengers Bangalore skipper Virat Kohli had finally come to the party in IPL 2019. The world’s best batsman became the highest scorer in the Indian Premier League in the match vs. KKR and also recorded his 5th IPL century and ended the season by scoring 464 runs in 14 matches. Towards the beginning of the IPL season, Kohli was battling with his structure and pulled in a great deal of analysis from investigators. In any case, the Team India captain battled against the chances to discover his cadence and once he got rolling it was hard to stop him. He finished with 466 runs in 15 matches at an average of 42.36 in 2020. He crushed three half-hundreds of years and is probably going to complete in the best 10 most elevated run-scorers in this release of the IPL. Royal Challengers Bangalore captain Virat Kohli became the first player in IPL history to aggregate 6,000 runs. He accomplished this feat during his knock against Rajasthan Royals at the Wankhede Stadium. Heading into the match against the Royals, Virat Kohli had 5,949 runs to his name in 195 matches. Playing his 188th innings, the RCB captain recorded his 40th half-century to set up his team’s success and furthermore touched the 6,000-run milestone. The Royal Challengers Bangalore can only thank him for all the knocks that were a display of the stroke play of highest quality, temperament, and technique almost at a peak for several years and they would wish for many more runs and milestones in the future from their captain.

IPL 2021: Virat Kohli becomes first batsman to score 6000 runs in the Indian Premier League

The Royal Challengers Bangalore&nbsp;demolition of Rajasthan Royals was their fourth sequential success in IPL 2021. They are additionally the solitary unbeaten team in the league, as they sit pretty on top of the standings, with eight points in their kitty.

Devdutt Padikkal had a noteworthy IPL crusade a year ago also, there were question marks over his strike rate against spinners in the center overs. Devdutt Padikkal, yesterday responded to all inquiries with some style as he was the champion entertainer for RCB in a 10-wicket win over Rajasthan Royals in Mumbai. He crushed an unbeaten 101 off just 52 balls and included in a whole 181-run represent the principal wicket with skipper Virat Kohli (72 not out off 47).

Noteworthy contributions by RCB players in the last four matches&nbsp; 
Virat Kohli has been a force to be reckoned with for RCB since the debut season of the Indian Premier League and has likewise been their captain since 2013. Since 2008, he has scored up five centuries, 40 fifties, and 6021 runs at an average of 38.35. He is presently the highest run-scorer in IPL history.&nbsp; 
After years of misery in the IPL, Glenn Maxwell finally seems to be coming into his own at RCB. Promoted to No. 4 in the batting order ahead of the mercurial AB de Villiers, the Aussie all-rounder has shown both sides to his game this year. 
 
Having been entrusted with batting at the extremely significant number 4 position, Glenn Maxwell has looked relaxed and has set aside an effort to get comfortable prior to releasing his collection of unconventional shots that bowlers dread. He has already amassed 176 runs IPL 2021, including putting in a Man of the Match performance against Sunrisers Hyderabad.&nbsp;

Having retired from international cricket in 2018, AB de Villiers stays a crucial piece of the Royal Challengers Bangalore setup, having played a crucial role in two out of their four successes in the IPL 2021. Ab De Villiers, a man who has been synonyms to the franchise RCB. He has dismantled the best of bowling attacks, has played some of the greatest innings that the sport has ever seen, and has given fans unbridled joy. The magic he carries in himself is evident from the alteration in the atmosphere of the stadium when he comes out to bat.&nbsp;

Harshal Patel's RCB residency has been upside down would be putting it mildly. He began his vocation with a bang, getting nine wickets in his debut season. Yet, he didn't get numerous odds in 2014 and played only three games in the entire season.&nbsp;It was in 2015 where he had his best mission, taking 17 IPL scalps at an economy of 7.48. However, the pacer couldn't back it up, by and by exiting favour as he played only four games in the following two seasons. &nbsp;He was acquired by the Delhi Capitals in 2018, however never genuinely settled at the outfit. In the wake of highlighting in only 12 games across three seasons, Harshal Patel is presently back with the team he began his IPL venture with.

Harshal Patel, who has arisen as the assigned death bowler for the Royal Challengers Bangalore this season. The 30-year-old Haryana pacer began IPL 2021 with a bang, turning into the fist bowler to get a five-wicket pull against the powerful Mumbai Indians. He later stepped out to bat and hit the triumphant runs off the last chunk of the game to dominate Royal Challengers Bangalore the game. His stupendous presentation with the ball provoked Virat Kohli to propose Harshal Patel could be the solution to RCB's death bowling burdens. It is a major assertion to make, considering the establishment has longed for a reliable death bowler throughout recent years. 
 
Shahbaz Ahmed is a bowling all-rounder from West Bengal. He made his IPL debut last year for the Virat Kohli-led side. In four IPL games, he has scored 16 runs at an average of 8. The 26-year-old has also picked up two wickets with his left-arm off-spin, averaging 29. Shahbaz Ahmed just played as a lower-order batsman in IPL 2020. This advancement appears to have originated from a quickfire 95 off 48 balls he scored in the team's intra-squad practice game before the league.

&nbsp;Mohammed Siraj's psychological durability and capacity to flourish in predicaments likely comes from his unassuming beginnings. He has been one of the best and economical bowler&nbsp;for RCB this season, enrolling figures of 3 for 27. He excused Jos Buttler and David Miller at the highest point of the innings and returned to take out Tewatia.&nbsp;

The shift from Chennai to Mumbai was relied upon to disrupt RCB's musicality. However, the way of their success just got more clinical. 
&nbsp;

The Royal Challengers Bangalore demolition of Rajasthan Royals was their fourth sequential success in IPL 2021. They are additionally the solitary unbeaten team in the league, as they sit pretty on top of the standings, with eight points in their kitty.

The Royal Challengers Bangalore demolition of Rajasthan Royals was their fourth sequential success in IPL 2021. They are additionally the solitary unbeaten team in the league, as they sit pretty on top of the standings, with eight points in their kitty. Devdutt Padikkal had a noteworthy IPL crusade a year ago also, there were question marks over his strike rate against spinners in the center overs. Devdutt Padikkal, yesterday responded to all inquiries with some style as he was the champion entertainer for RCB in a 10-wicket win over Rajasthan Royals in Mumbai. He crushed an unbeaten 101 off just 52 balls and included in a whole 181-run represent the principal wicket with skipper Virat Kohli (72 not out off 47). Noteworthy contributions by RCB players in the last four matches Virat Kohli has been a force to be reckoned with for RCB since the debut season of the Indian Premier League and has likewise been their captain since 2013. Since 2008, he has scored up five centuries, 40 fifties, and 6021 runs at an average of 38.35. He is presently the highest run-scorer in IPL history. After years of misery in the IPL, Glenn Maxwell finally seems to be coming into his own at RCB. Promoted to No. 4 in the batting order ahead of the mercurial AB de Villiers, the Aussie all-rounder has shown both sides to his game this year. Having been entrusted with batting at the extremely significant number 4 position, Glenn Maxwell has looked relaxed and has set aside an effort to get comfortable prior to releasing his collection of unconventional shots that bowlers dread. He has already amassed 176 runs IPL 2021, including putting in a Man of the Match performance against Sunrisers Hyderabad. Having retired from international cricket in 2018, AB de Villiers stays a crucial piece of the Royal Challengers Bangalore setup, having played a crucial role in two out of their four successes in the IPL 2021. Ab De Villiers, a man who has been synonyms to the franchise RCB. He has dismantled the best of bowling attacks, has played some of the greatest innings that the sport has ever seen, and has given fans unbridled joy. The magic he carries in himself is evident from the alteration in the atmosphere of the stadium when he comes out to bat. Harshal Patel's RCB residency has been upside down would be putting it mildly. He began his vocation with a bang, getting nine wickets in his debut season. Yet, he didn't get numerous odds in 2014 and played only three games in the entire season. It was in 2015 where he had his best mission, taking 17 IPL scalps at an economy of 7.48. However, the pacer couldn't back it up, by and by exiting favour as he played only four games in the following two seasons. He was acquired by the Delhi Capitals in 2018, however never genuinely settled at the outfit. In the wake of highlighting in only 12 games across three seasons, Harshal Patel is presently back with the team he began his IPL venture with. Harshal Patel, who has arisen as the assigned death bowler for the Royal Challengers Bangalore this season. The 30-year-old Haryana pacer began IPL 2021 with a bang, turning into the fist bowler to get a five-wicket pull against the powerful Mumbai Indians. He later stepped out to bat and hit the triumphant runs off the last chunk of the game to dominate Royal Challengers Bangalore the game. His stupendous presentation with the ball provoked Virat Kohli to propose Harshal Patel could be the solution to RCB's death bowling burdens. It is a major assertion to make, considering the establishment has longed for a reliable death bowler throughout recent years. Shahbaz Ahmed is a bowling all-rounder from West Bengal. He made his IPL debut last year for the Virat Kohli-led side. In four IPL games, he has scored 16 runs at an average of 8. The 26-year-old has also picked up two wickets with his left-arm off-spin, averaging 29. Shahbaz Ahmed just played as a lower-order batsman in IPL 2020. This advancement appears to have originated from a quickfire 95 off 48 balls he scored in the team's intra-squad practice game before the league. Mohammed Siraj's psychological durability and capacity to flourish in predicaments likely comes from his unassuming beginnings. He has been one of the best and economical bowler for RCB this season, enrolling figures of 3 for 27. He excused Jos Buttler and David Miller at the highest point of the innings and returned to take out Tewatia. The shift from Chennai to Mumbai was relied upon to disrupt RCB's musicality. However, the way of their success just got more clinical.

IPL 2021 - Decoding Royal Challengers Bangalore's unbeaten run in the league

Rajasthan Royals, director of cricket Kumar Sangakkara has adulated Royal Challengers Bangalore opener Devdutt Padikkal for his breathtaking unbeaten century on Thursday.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2021-devdutt-padikkal-and-virat-kohlis-masterclass-extends-unbeaten-run-for-rcb-379339" hreflang="en">IPL 2021- Devdutt Padikkal and Virat Kohli's masterclass extends unbeaten run for RCB</a>

Devdutt Padikkal crushed an unbeaten 101 off just 52 balls as RCB wrecked RR by ten wickets in an IPL 2021 game in Mumbai. Gotten some information about his interpretation of Devdutt Padikkal's innings, Sangakkara said at a virtual press conference:

“It was an exceptional inning from Devdutt Padikkal. He batted really well. Played the shots that he knew he could play. He anticipated some of the deliveries that were going to be bowled, with the fieldset. I thought he showed a lot of maturities to bat through. Of course, he was batting with Virat Kohli. So there was a lot of conversation out there. A lot of talk about what to do and how to do it. It was very impressive.”

Talking about his own team, Kumar Sangakkara said he was dazzled with the manner in which Shivam Dube batted. The all-rounder top-scored for RR in the match, with 46 off 32. Applauding Shivam Dube, Kumar Sangakkara said: 
"I thought Shivam Dube batted really well. He showed a lot of intensity and awareness. One of the things that he matches up well against is spin, and that is his real strength. Today, he showed that he has the ability to try and dominate the slow bowlers. He batted smartly. He got out a bit ahead of time, but the lower order fought really well after a top-order collapse. But we have got to learn and improve. Games can slip by quickly.”

Before the beginning of IPL 2021, Devdutt Padikkal had tried COVID-19 positive post he was tested negative and was permitted to join the group. The youngster, however, had to miss RCB's first match against Mumbai Indians.

Considering the array of feelings that he has experienced as of late, Devdutt Padikkal said: 
“It’s been special. I could only await my turn. When I was down with COVID, all I was thinking of was to come here and play the first match. I couldn’t do that but was keen to contribute to the team’s win.”

On the wicket in Mumbai, Devdutt Padikkal added: 
“The ball was coming on really well, and we got a good start. When you get into a partnership like that (with Virat Kohli), it helps, as runs come from both ends.” 
&nbsp;

Rajasthan Royals, director of cricket Kumar Sangakkara has adulated Royal Challengers Bangalore opener Devdutt Padikkal for his breathtaking unbeaten century on Thursday.

Rajasthan Royals, director of cricket Kumar Sangakkara has adulated Royal Challengers Bangalore opener Devdutt Padikkal for his breathtaking unbeaten century on Thursday. ALSO READ: IPL 2021- Devdutt Padikkal and Virat Kohli's masterclass extends unbeaten run for RCB Devdutt Padikkal crushed an unbeaten 101 off just 52 balls as RCB wrecked RR by ten wickets in an IPL 2021 game in Mumbai. Gotten some information about his interpretation of Devdutt Padikkal's innings, Sangakkara said at a virtual press conference: “It was an exceptional inning from Devdutt Padikkal. He batted really well. Played the shots that he knew he could play. He anticipated some of the deliveries that were going to be bowled, with the fieldset. I thought he showed a lot of maturities to bat through. Of course, he was batting with Virat Kohli. So there was a lot of conversation out there. A lot of talk about what to do and how to do it. It was very impressive.” Talking about his own team, Kumar Sangakkara said he was dazzled with the manner in which Shivam Dube batted. The all-rounder top-scored for RR in the match, with 46 off 32. Applauding Shivam Dube, Kumar Sangakkara said: "I thought Shivam Dube batted really well. He showed a lot of intensity and awareness. One of the things that he matches up well against is spin, and that is his real strength. Today, he showed that he has the ability to try and dominate the slow bowlers. He batted smartly. He got out a bit ahead of time, but the lower order fought really well after a top-order collapse. But we have got to learn and improve. Games can slip by quickly.” Before the beginning of IPL 2021, Devdutt Padikkal had tried COVID-19 positive post he was tested negative and was permitted to join the group. The youngster, however, had to miss RCB's first match against Mumbai Indians. Considering the array of feelings that he has experienced as of late, Devdutt Padikkal said: “It’s been special. I could only await my turn. When I was down with COVID, all I was thinking of was to come here and play the first match. I couldn’t do that but was keen to contribute to the team’s win.” On the wicket in Mumbai, Devdutt Padikkal added: “The ball was coming on really well, and we got a good start. When you get into a partnership like that (with Virat Kohli), it helps, as runs come from both ends.”

IPL 2021 - Kumar Sangakkara showers praises on Devdutt Padikkal for his 1st IPL Century

Royal Challengers Bangalore captain Virat Kohli and Rajasthan Royals skipper Sanju Samson were involved in a hilarious incident ahead of their clash in the Indian Premier League at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/rcb-vs-rr-ipl-2021-wankhede-stadium-pitch-report-head-to-head-stats-mumbai-weather-forecast-all-you-need-to-know-379209" hreflang="en">RCB vs RR, IPL 2021: Wankhede Stadium pitch report, Head-to-head stats, Mumbai weather forecast- All you need to know</a>

The incident took place during the toss when Virat Kohli did not realise that he won the toss and stepped back for Sanju Samson to decide whether to bat or bowl.&nbsp;

Samson was seen in a fix and tried to tell Kohli that he is the one who actually won the toss. However, Virat realised it on his own and yelled "Hey, I won the toss. I am not used to of winning tosses."

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"I'm not used to winning tosses" 😅 <a href="https://twitter.com/imVkohli?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@imVkohli</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RCB?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RCB</a> have the toss and they will bowl first against <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RR?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RR</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/VIVOIPL?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#VIVOIPL</a> <a href="https://t.co/a0bX6JNGak">pic.twitter.com/a0bX6JNGak</a>
— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) <a href="https://twitter.com/IPL/status/1385226909353615364?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 22, 2021</a></blockquote>
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After winning the toss, skipper Kohli decided to bowl first. He said: "Going to bowl. Have seen results here whether there's dew or not. Still continues to be a high scoring ground. Last night we saw even if you lose early wickets, just one partnership and you're never far in the game."

"Have experienced conditions totally opposite in Chennai. This game and this venue allows us to play even more expressive and positive cricket."

Off to the most ideal beginning with three successive wins, Royal Challengers Bangalore will expect to keep the juggernaut rolling when they take on Rajasthan Royals in the Indian Premier League.

Royal Challengers Bangalore captain Virat Kohli and Rajasthan Royals skipper Sanju Samson were involved in a hilarious incident ahead of their clash in the Indian Premier League at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.

Royal Challengers Bangalore captain Virat Kohli and Rajasthan Royals skipper Sanju Samson were involved in a hilarious incident ahead of their clash in the Indian Premier League at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. ALSO READ: RCB vs RR, IPL 2021: Wankhede Stadium pitch report, Head-to-head stats, Mumbai weather forecast- All you need to know The incident took place during the toss when Virat Kohli did not realise that he won the toss and stepped back for Sanju Samson to decide whether to bat or bowl. Samson was seen in a fix and tried to tell Kohli that he is the one who actually won the toss. However, Virat realised it on his own and yelled "Hey, I won the toss. I am not used to of winning tosses." "I'm not used to winning tosses" 😅 @imVkohli #RCB have the toss and they will bowl first against #RR #VIVOIPL pic.twitter.com/a0bX6JNGak — IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) April 22, 2021 × After winning the toss, skipper Kohli decided to bowl first. He said: "Going to bowl. Have seen results here whether there's dew or not. Still continues to be a high scoring ground. Last night we saw even if you lose early wickets, just one partnership and you're never far in the game." "Have experienced conditions totally opposite in Chennai. This game and this venue allows us to play even more expressive and positive cricket." Off to the most ideal beginning with three successive wins, Royal Challengers Bangalore will expect to keep the juggernaut rolling when they take on Rajasthan Royals in the Indian Premier League.

IPL 2021- 'Hey I won the toss': RCB skipper Virat Kohli involved in hilarious incident ahead of RR clash; WATCH

IPL 2021- Royal Challengers thump Knight Riders to extend their unbeaten streak

Devdutt Padikkal has had a prolific domestic season after scoring over 700 runs for Karnataka in the Vijay Hazare Trophy this year. Last season in the Indian Premier League, the 20-year-old scored 474 runs with five half-centuries and contributing well for Royal Challengers Bangalore. West Indies legend Brian Lara feels that the left-handed batsman will better his performance during this IPL with a few Man of the Match awards.

IN PICS|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-dhoni-to-kohli-highest-paid-players-with-mind-boggling-salaries-in-ipl-2021-377532" hreflang="en">From Dhoni to Kohli: Highest-paid players with mind-boggling salaries in IPL 2021</a>

"He's (Padikkal) such a great talent. Last year, he got a couple of (5) fifties, he batted well, he supported Virat Kohli very well," Lara told Star Sports' Select Dugout Live Feed.

"A few little things to iron out. I hope he did that in the break and comes back really storming hard for this IPL," Lara said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2021-host-broadcaster-enjoy-blockbuster-viewership-for-opening-match-fails-to-break-ipl-2020-record-378133" hreflang="en">IPL 2021: Host broadcaster enjoy blockbuster viewership for opening match, fails to break IPL 2020 record</a>

"What I want to see in 2021 IPL is for him to go on and get a few man of the matches and get a couple of triple figures under his belt. Such a great little player," said the West Indies great.

Padikkal had tested positive ahead of the IPL 2021 due to which he&nbsp;missed out on the season opener against Mumbai Indians. He made his return in the second match against Sunrisers Hyderabad but failed to leave an impact as he was dismissed for 11 runs.&nbsp;

Royal Challengers Bangalore are on top of the IPL 2021 table with wins in both matches.&nbsp;

Devdutt Padikkal has had a prolific domestic season after scoring over 700 runs for Karnataka in the Vijay Hazare Trophy this year. Last season in the Indian Premier League, the 20-year-old scored 474 runs with five half-centuries and contributing well for Royal Challengers Bangalore.

Devdutt Padikkal has had a prolific domestic season after scoring over 700 runs for Karnataka in the Vijay Hazare Trophy this year. Last season in the Indian Premier League, the 20-year-old scored 474 runs with five half-centuries and contributing well for Royal Challengers Bangalore. West Indies legend Brian Lara feels that the left-handed batsman will better his performance during this IPL with a few Man of the Match awards. IN PICS| From Dhoni to Kohli: Highest-paid players with mind-boggling salaries in IPL 2021 "He's (Padikkal) such a great talent. Last year, he got a couple of (5) fifties, he batted well, he supported Virat Kohli very well," Lara told Star Sports' Select Dugout Live Feed. "A few little things to iron out. I hope he did that in the break and comes back really storming hard for this IPL," Lara said. Also read: IPL 2021: Host broadcaster enjoy blockbuster viewership for opening match, fails to break IPL 2020 record "What I want to see in 2021 IPL is for him to go on and get a few man of the matches and get a couple of triple figures under his belt. Such a great little player," said the West Indies great. Padikkal had tested positive ahead of the IPL 2021 due to which he missed out on the season opener against Mumbai Indians. He made his return in the second match against Sunrisers Hyderabad but failed to leave an impact as he was dismissed for 11 runs. Royal Challengers Bangalore are on top of the IPL 2021 table with wins in both matches.

IPL 2021- 'Such a great talent': Brian Lara on RCB's Devdutt Padikkal

Former England captain Kevin Pietersen has predicted that Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) would have to wait for their maiden Indian Premier League (IPL) trophy after casting doubts over whether they possess a squad to win the coveted trophy.<o:p></o:p>

RCB are one of the franchises to have never won the IPL trophy and bolstered their squad by adding the likes of Glenn Maxwell, Kyle Jamieson among a few others in a bid to break their trophy drought.<o:p></o:p>

Pietersen has said he struggles to see why RCB spent heavy signing Maxwell in the auction with the likes of Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers already at their helm.<o:p></o:p>

“RCB will always be a massive talking point because they have Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers but have never won the IPL,” Pietersen told Betway.4<o:p></o:p>

“Unfortunately, I don’t see why things will be any different for them this year. ‘They’ve got a fantastic batting line-up, we know that. Kohli is obviously world-class, Devdutt Padikkal is a very exciting opening batsman, and AB de Villiers – though he hasn’t played any cricket since the last competition – is such a class player.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/what-happens-when-you-become-most-expensive-player-in-ipl-chris-morris-reveals-377096" hreflang="en">What happens when you become most expensive player in IPL? Chris Morris reveals</a><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p>

“So I’m struggling to understand why they have made spent so much money on Glenn Maxwell, who is yet another middle-order batsman. <o:p></o:p>

“When you’ve got those players already, do you need another guy? You’ve only got 20 overs to bat. That is a decision that Mike Hesson and RCB will have to front up over if things don’t go to plan. <o:p></o:p>

“It feels like they are too top-heavy and should have focused their recruitment more on supplementing the Kyle Jamieson signing.”<o:p></o:p>

Meanwhile, Bangalore started their IPL 2021 campaign with a two-wicket win over defending champions Mumbai Indians in Chennai on Friday.

IN PICS |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/here-are-some-major-records-csk-skipper-ms-dhoni-can-shatter-in-ipl-2021-376648" hreflang="en">Here are some major records CSK skipper MS Dhoni can shatter in IPL 2021</a>

New signings Jamieson and Maxwell were impressive on the matchday and RCB would be looking for more such performance from the duo during the IPL 2021 season. RCB next face Sunrisers Hyderabad on Wednesday. <o:p></o:p>

<o:p>&nbsp;</o:p>

Former England captain Kevin Pietersen has predicted that Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) would have to wait for their maiden Indian Premier League (IPL) trophy after casting doubts over whether they possess a squad to win the coveted trophy.

Former England captain Kevin Pietersen has predicted that Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) would have to wait for their maiden Indian Premier League (IPL) trophy after casting doubts over whether they possess a squad to win the coveted trophy. RCB are one of the franchises to have never won the IPL trophy and bolstered their squad by adding the likes of Glenn Maxwell, Kyle Jamieson among a few others in a bid to break their trophy drought. Pietersen has said he struggles to see why RCB spent heavy signing Maxwell in the auction with the likes of Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers already at their helm. “RCB will always be a massive talking point because they have Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers but have never won the IPL,” Pietersen told Betway.4 “Unfortunately, I don’t see why things will be any different for them this year. ‘They’ve got a fantastic batting line-up, we know that. Kohli is obviously world-class, Devdutt Padikkal is a very exciting opening batsman, and AB de Villiers – though he hasn’t played any cricket since the last competition – is such a class player. ALSO READ: What happens when you become most expensive player in IPL? Chris Morris reveals “So I’m struggling to understand why they have made spent so much money on Glenn Maxwell, who is yet another middle-order batsman. “When you’ve got those players already, do you need another guy? You’ve only got 20 overs to bat. That is a decision that Mike Hesson and RCB will have to front up over if things don’t go to plan. “It feels like they are too top-heavy and should have focused their recruitment more on supplementing the Kyle Jamieson signing.” Meanwhile, Bangalore started their IPL 2021 campaign with a two-wicket win over defending champions Mumbai Indians in Chennai on Friday. IN PICS | Here are some major records CSK skipper MS Dhoni can shatter in IPL 2021 New signings Jamieson and Maxwell were impressive on the matchday and RCB would be looking for more such performance from the duo during the IPL 2021 season. RCB next face Sunrisers Hyderabad on Wednesday.

Can Royal Challengers Bangalore win IPL 2021? Kevin Pietersen gives his take

Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) captain Virat Kohli was full of praises for his team-mates, especially Harshal Patel and Glenn Maxwell, as the Bengaluru outfit got off to a rollicking start in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 by defeating defending champions Mumbai Indians (MI) by two wickets in Chennai on Friday.

RCB roped in Maxwell at the auction for a whopping INR 14.25 crore despite the Aussie having a torrid IPL 2020 with Kings XI Punjab (now Punjab Kings). However, Maxwell answered his critics in style while showing why the RCB management was spot on to spend heavily for his acquisition.

After the IPL 2021 season opener against MI, RCB captain Kohli said that Maxwell’s knock of 39 runs off 28 deliveries was the game-changer as he put the pressure back on the bowlers. Kohli revealed that RCB wanted to allow Maxwell to play a few deliveries before bringing his array of shots into the game rather than slogging from the word go while adding it was important to play the strongest side in the tournament (MI) and test themselves against the best.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/first-game-could-be-my-last-chris-lynn-on-running-out-captain-rohit-sharma-in-ipl-2021-opener-376596" hreflang="en">First game could be my last: Chris Lynn on running out captain Rohit Sharma in IPL 2021 opener</a>

“We won the first match last year as well that we played. It was important to play against the strongest side in the competition and test our side. Everyone was involved in this game, and when you win by two wickets, it means that everyone has gone in and played. A lot of options for me as well that helped bringing the game back. The pitch was looking decent in the first half, but to be honest, with the old ball the length ball was difficult to get away. That is why those partnerships between Maxi and me and then between AB and Maxi was really important. It's not a pitch where you can just hit through the line. You have to be smart with picking the gaps and running hard. Playing in Chennai you have to be respectful of that. The shot that Pollard got out to, in Wankhde it would've sailed into the crowds,” Kohli said in the post-match presentation on Friday.

“We came back well and used the conditions well. They came back well too after losing Rohit early and those last six overs for us were probably the best six we've ever had. We brought Harshal in a trade from Delhi. He is relishing the responsibility and is clear with his plans. He was the difference today. He is going to be our death bowler. As a captain you want players with clarity, and he has that. Jamieson started off well, Yuzi was good, Siraj was good too. In T20 cricket, clarity at the top of your mark is all you as for as a captain. Harshal was very clear with that and it was his day today.

IN PICS |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/ipl-2021-harshal-patel-and-abd-shine-as-rcb-beat-mumbai-indians-in-season-opener-376541" hreflang="en">IPL 2021- Harshal Patel and ABD shine as RCB beat Mumbai Indians in season opener</a>

“We wanted Maxi to bat at four. Rajat is a very solid player. He is an exciting player, plays spin well too. The thinking was that we wanted to give Maxi some balls at the start and not get him slogging right away. You saw the result today of him playing 10-15 balls. His innings was the game-changer. Had he stayed in we would've finished a couple of overs earlier. The opposition then gets nervous about AB. We have depth in the batting which we want to utilize. AB is probably the only one in the team who is so versatile. And he does it on slow wickets what not many can do. In a tricky chase you need experience at the back, and the opposition knows that if he doesn't get out, the bowlers get in a different headspace,” the RCB skipper added.

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Harshal Patel Press Conference | MI v RCB 
 
Man of the Match for RCB, <a href="https://twitter.com/HarshalPatel23?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@HarshalPatel23</a> gives us insights into his bowling after a brilliant performance against MI in the first match of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IPL2021?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IPL2021</a> in Chennai.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PlayBold?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PlayBold</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WeAreChallengers?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WeAreChallengers</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MIvRCB?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MIvRCB</a> <a href="https://t.co/VaRWykTbRe">pic.twitter.com/VaRWykTbRe</a>
— Royal Challengers Bangalore (@RCBTweets) <a href="https://twitter.com/RCBTweets/status/1380709619429998592?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 10, 2021</a></blockquote>
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While AB de Villiers stole the thunders with his terrific knock of 48 off 27 balls, it was Maxwell and Kohli who set the stage for the middle-order batters to finish the game for RCB. While Kohli scored 33 off 29, Maxwell posted 39 off 28.

Earlier, Harshal Patel picked up five wickets and became the first bowler to scalp a five-fer against Mumbai Indians.

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RCB will next be in action against Sunrisers Hyderabad in Chennai on April 14.

Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) captain Virat Kohli was full of praises for his team-mates, especially Harshal Patel and Glenn Maxwell, as the Bengaluru outfit got off to a rollicking start in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 by defeating defending champions Mumbai Indians (MI) by two wickets in Chennai on Friday.

Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) captain Virat Kohli was full of praises for his team-mates, especially Harshal Patel and Glenn Maxwell, as the Bengaluru outfit got off to a rollicking start in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 by defeating defending champions Mumbai Indians (MI) by two wickets in Chennai on Friday. RCB roped in Maxwell at the auction for a whopping INR 14.25 crore despite the Aussie having a torrid IPL 2020 with Kings XI Punjab (now Punjab Kings). However, Maxwell answered his critics in style while showing why the RCB management was spot on to spend heavily for his acquisition. After the IPL 2021 season opener against MI, RCB captain Kohli said that Maxwell’s knock of 39 runs off 28 deliveries was the game-changer as he put the pressure back on the bowlers. Kohli revealed that RCB wanted to allow Maxwell to play a few deliveries before bringing his array of shots into the game rather than slogging from the word go while adding it was important to play the strongest side in the tournament (MI) and test themselves against the best. ALSO READ: First game could be my last: Chris Lynn on running out captain Rohit Sharma in IPL 2021 opener “We won the first match last year as well that we played. It was important to play against the strongest side in the competition and test our side. Everyone was involved in this game, and when you win by two wickets, it means that everyone has gone in and played. A lot of options for me as well that helped bringing the game back. The pitch was looking decent in the first half, but to be honest, with the old ball the length ball was difficult to get away. That is why those partnerships between Maxi and me and then between AB and Maxi was really important. It's not a pitch where you can just hit through the line. You have to be smart with picking the gaps and running hard. Playing in Chennai you have to be respectful of that. The shot that Pollard got out to, in Wankhde it would've sailed into the crowds,” Kohli said in the post-match presentation on Friday. “We came back well and used the conditions well. They came back well too after losing Rohit early and those last six overs for us were probably the best six we've ever had. We brought Harshal in a trade from Delhi. He is relishing the responsibility and is clear with his plans. He was the difference today. He is going to be our death bowler. As a captain you want players with clarity, and he has that. Jamieson started off well, Yuzi was good, Siraj was good too. In T20 cricket, clarity at the top of your mark is all you as for as a captain. Harshal was very clear with that and it was his day today. IN PICS | IPL 2021- Harshal Patel and ABD shine as RCB beat Mumbai Indians in season opener “We wanted Maxi to bat at four. Rajat is a very solid player. He is an exciting player, plays spin well too. The thinking was that we wanted to give Maxi some balls at the start and not get him slogging right away. You saw the result today of him playing 10-15 balls. His innings was the game-changer. Had he stayed in we would've finished a couple of overs earlier. The opposition then gets nervous about AB. We have depth in the batting which we want to utilize. AB is probably the only one in the team who is so versatile. And he does it on slow wickets what not many can do. In a tricky chase you need experience at the back, and the opposition knows that if he doesn't get out, the bowlers get in a different headspace,” the RCB skipper added. Harshal Patel Press Conference | MI v RCB Man of the Match for RCB, @HarshalPatel23 gives us insights into his bowling after a brilliant performance against MI in the first match of #IPL2021 in Chennai.#PlayBold #WeAreChallengers #MIvRCB pic.twitter.com/VaRWykTbRe — Royal Challengers Bangalore (@RCBTweets) April 10, 2021 × While AB de Villiers stole the thunders with his terrific knock of 48 off 27 balls, it was Maxwell and Kohli who set the stage for the middle-order batters to finish the game for RCB. While Kohli scored 33 off 29, Maxwell posted 39 off 28. Earlier, Harshal Patel picked up five wickets and became the first bowler to scalp a five-fer against Mumbai Indians. × RCB will next be in action against Sunrisers Hyderabad in Chennai on April 14.

His innings was game-changer: Virat Kohli praises Glenn Maxwell after winning start in IPL 2021

Mumbai Indians (MI) on Friday started their Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 with a two-wicket defeat to Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. Chris Lynn, who made his Mumbai Indians debut in the tournament opener on Friday, was involved in a mix-up with skipper Rohit Sharma which resulted in the latter getting run-out early in the first innings.<o:p></o:p>

After the match, Lynn jokingly said that it is not an ideal scenario running out your captain in the first game while adding that his first game for Mumbai Indians could be his last. Lynn admitted that he was a bit nervous going into the match but cleared out that there were plenty of other factors that led to MI losing the match and not just the run-out. <o:p></o:p>

Lynn further said that he would have sacrificed his wicket instead of running out Rohit if he was able to cross the pitch. <o:p></o:p>

The hard-hitting Australian slashed the ball towards the covers and called for a run before immediately pulling out. However, Rohit was halfway down the track by then and Virat Kohli was quick to get the throw to the non-striker’s end to dismiss the MI captain. While Rohit departed early, Lynn ended up with a 35-ball 49.<o:p></o:p>

"Look, obviously I was a bit nervous, no doubt about it. (It was my) first game for Mumbai and it was the first time I was batting with Rohit as well. It happens in the game of cricket as well. I thought there was a run, and then obviously there wasn't a run. But yeah, if I had been able to run past him and sacrifice my wicket, I definitely would have done that, but it wasn't the case.

IN PICS |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/ipl-2021-harshal-patel-and-abd-shine-as-rcb-beat-mumbai-indians-in-season-opener-376541" hreflang="en">IPL 2021- Harshal Patel and ABD shine as RCB beat Mumbai Indians in season opener</a>

"As I said, it happens, but yeah, I put just a little bit more pressure on myself. It's not ideal, running out your captain in the first game. The first game could be my last, who knows? (laughs). But anyhow, it was a spur-of-the-moment thing, happens in the game. It would have been nice (if the runout didn't happen); he was striking the ball nicely, and we were 10 or 15 runs short in the end. He would have definitely made a difference, but there were plenty of factors in this game tonight, not just the run-out," Chris Lynn answered to WION's query in the post-match press conference.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2021-australia-pacer-behrendorff-absolutely-pumped-to-join-csk-376511" hreflang="en">IPL 2021: Australia pacer Behrendorff 'absolutely pumped' to join CSK</a>

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Lynn started the match in place of South African Quinton de Kock, who is undergoing the mandatory seven-day quarantine period. He is expected to be back in the MI playing XI in their next match against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) on Tuesday in Chennai.

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Mumbai Indians (MI) on Friday started their Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 with a two-wicket defeat to Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.

Mumbai Indians (MI) on Friday started their Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 with a two-wicket defeat to Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. Chris Lynn, who made his Mumbai Indians debut in the tournament opener on Friday, was involved in a mix-up with skipper Rohit Sharma which resulted in the latter getting run-out early in the first innings. After the match, Lynn jokingly said that it is not an ideal scenario running out your captain in the first game while adding that his first game for Mumbai Indians could be his last. Lynn admitted that he was a bit nervous going into the match but cleared out that there were plenty of other factors that led to MI losing the match and not just the run-out. Lynn further said that he would have sacrificed his wicket instead of running out Rohit if he was able to cross the pitch. The hard-hitting Australian slashed the ball towards the covers and called for a run before immediately pulling out. However, Rohit was halfway down the track by then and Virat Kohli was quick to get the throw to the non-striker’s end to dismiss the MI captain. While Rohit departed early, Lynn ended up with a 35-ball 49. "Look, obviously I was a bit nervous, no doubt about it. (It was my) first game for Mumbai and it was the first time I was batting with Rohit as well. It happens in the game of cricket as well. I thought there was a run, and then obviously there wasn't a run. But yeah, if I had been able to run past him and sacrifice my wicket, I definitely would have done that, but it wasn't the case. IN PICS | IPL 2021- Harshal Patel and ABD shine as RCB beat Mumbai Indians in season opener "As I said, it happens, but yeah, I put just a little bit more pressure on myself. It's not ideal, running out your captain in the first game. The first game could be my last, who knows? (laughs). But anyhow, it was a spur-of-the-moment thing, happens in the game. It would have been nice (if the runout didn't happen); he was striking the ball nicely, and we were 10 or 15 runs short in the end. He would have definitely made a difference, but there were plenty of factors in this game tonight, not just the run-out," Chris Lynn answered to WION's query in the post-match press conference. ALSO READ: IPL 2021: Australia pacer Behrendorff 'absolutely pumped' to join CSK × Lynn started the match in place of South African Quinton de Kock, who is undergoing the mandatory seven-day quarantine period. He is expected to be back in the MI playing XI in their next match against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) on Tuesday in Chennai.

First game could be my last: Chris Lynn on running out captain Rohit Sharma in IPL 2021 opener

Royal Challengers Bangalore are set to clash with defending champions Mumbai Indians in the season opener of the 14th edition of the Indian Premier League. The match will be played at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.&nbsp;

IN PICS:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/list-of-five-major-records-rcb-captain-virat-kohli-can-break-in-ipl-2021-375916" hreflang="en">List of five major records RCB captain Virat Kohli can break in IPL 2021</a>

Both teams will clash at the Chepauk after almost ten years. The last time, these two franchises played each other at the stadium was back in the 2011 Champions League T20 finals, where Mumbai Indians easily defeated Virat's Royal Challengers.&nbsp;

Yuzvendra Chahal, who is now part of RCB, had a match-winning bowling spell for Mumbai Indians.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2021-will-there-be-opening-ceremony-ahead-of-tournament-opener-all-you-need-to-know-376291" hreflang="en">IPL 2021: Will there be opening ceremony ahead of tournament opener? - All you need to know</a>

Spinners will play a crucial role in the match as the pitch will remain spin-friendly and will provide enough turn to bamboozle the batsman.&nbsp;

According to the weather predictions, the skies will be clear and the temperature is expected to be 29 degrees Celsius.

<h2>Here are some stats from the previous IPL matches played at MA Chidambaram Stadium:&nbsp;</h2>

Total IPL matches played: 82

Matches won by teams batting first: 47

Matches won by teams batting second: 33&nbsp;

Royal Challengers Bangalore have been unlucky in this venue as the team holds the record of lowest first innings score.&nbsp;

Highest first innings score: 246/5 - Chennai Super Kings vs Rajasthan Royals, 2010

Lowest first innings score: 70 - Royal Challengers Bangalore vs Chennai Super Kings, 2019

The average first innings score at the Chepauk is 160.&nbsp;

LIVE:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/IPL2021-Live-Score-Mumbai-Indians-MI-Royal-Challengers-Bangalore-RCB-Chidambaram-Stadium-Chennai-Today-Live-match-updates" hreflang="en">IPL 2021, MI vs RCB, Live Updates</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/ipl">Catch full coverage of IPL 2021 here!</a>

Royal Challengers Bangalore are set to clash with defending champions Mumbai Indians in the season opener of the 14th edition of the Indian Premier League. The match will be played at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.

Royal Challengers Bangalore are set to clash with defending champions Mumbai Indians in the season opener of the 14th edition of the Indian Premier League. The match will be played at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. IN PICS: List of five major records RCB captain Virat Kohli can break in IPL 2021 Both teams will clash at the Chepauk after almost ten years. The last time, these two franchises played each other at the stadium was back in the 2011 Champions League T20 finals, where Mumbai Indians easily defeated Virat's Royal Challengers. Yuzvendra Chahal, who is now part of RCB, had a match-winning bowling spell for Mumbai Indians. ALSO READ: IPL 2021: Will there be opening ceremony ahead of tournament opener? - All you need to know Spinners will play a crucial role in the match as the pitch will remain spin-friendly and will provide enough turn to bamboozle the batsman. According to the weather predictions, the skies will be clear and the temperature is expected to be 29 degrees Celsius. Here are some stats from the previous IPL matches played at MA Chidambaram Stadium: Total IPL matches played: 82 Matches won by teams batting first: 47 Matches won by teams batting second: 33 Royal Challengers Bangalore have been unlucky in this venue as the team holds the record of lowest first innings score. Highest first innings score: 246/5 - Chennai Super Kings vs Rajasthan Royals, 2010 Lowest first innings score: 70 - Royal Challengers Bangalore vs Chennai Super Kings, 2019 The average first innings score at the Chepauk is 160. LIVE: IPL 2021, MI vs RCB, Live Updates Catch full coverage of IPL 2021 here!

IPL 2021, MI vs RCB: Chepauk's pitch report, Chennai's weather prediction and venue stats - All you need to know

Ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 opener between Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) and Mumbai Indian in Chennai on Friday, Virat Kohli has opened up about his bonding with the Bengaluru-based franchise. <o:p></o:p>

Kohli has revealed that despite not winning a single trophy, the thought of leaving RCB has never crossed his mind while adding that it was impossible to “recreate” the feelings and bonding at RCB with any other franchise. <o:p></o:p>

"There are a couple of other teams who have great fan bases but I think we are a team who get a lot of support and adulation wherever we play because we play a certain brand of cricket. We will play our heart out, we might not be composed enough in many difficult situations in the past but there has never been a shortage of passion, commitment, intensity.

Trending:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/watch-rahul-dravids-angry-side-leaves-virat-kohli-in-surprise-376306" hreflang="en">Watch: Rahul Dravid's 'angry' side leaves Virat Kohli in surprise</a>

"A lot of fun on the field and me as an individual have never felt that I wanna move away from the system just because I haven't won a title. That happens because things have been so organic, this cannot be created anywhere. This cannot be manufactured in a way that people are forcing me to play, and I am forcing the management to keep me, there has never been a conversation like that. So, things have been very organic. The respect, the care and the enjoyment I feel here, I don't think I can recreate anywhere else. The experience has been magical," Virat Kohli said in a video posted by RCB.<o:p></o:p>

After ending their IPL 2020 season in playoffs, RCB snapped the likes of Glenn Maxwell, Kyle Jamieson, Dan Christian among others as they look to end their trophy drought in the cash-rich T20 tournament.<o:p></o:p>

"It feels surreal. Honestly, it doesn't feel like we went away for too long as there was a lot of cricket in between as well but yeah, very excited that we are playing in India again.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2021-mi-vs-rcb-chepauks-pitch-report-chennais-weather-prediction-and-venue-stats-all-you-need-to-know-376301" hreflang="en">IPL 2021, MI vs RCB: Chepauk's pitch report, Chennai's weather prediction and venue stats - All you need to know</a>

"Although in a different way, in a different setting. I am very optimistic and yes I have a good feeling this time around," Virat Kohli said in a video posted by RCB," Virat Kohli had said while joining the RCB bio-bubble in Chennai.<o:p></o:p>

RCB take on MI in the first match of IPL 2021 in Chennai on Friday.<o:p></o:p>

Ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 opener between Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) and Mumbai Indian in Chennai on Friday, Virat Kohli has opened up about his bonding with the Bengaluru-based franchise.

Ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 opener between Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) and Mumbai Indian in Chennai on Friday, Virat Kohli has opened up about his bonding with the Bengaluru-based franchise. Kohli has revealed that despite not winning a single trophy, the thought of leaving RCB has never crossed his mind while adding that it was impossible to “recreate” the feelings and bonding at RCB with any other franchise. "There are a couple of other teams who have great fan bases but I think we are a team who get a lot of support and adulation wherever we play because we play a certain brand of cricket. We will play our heart out, we might not be composed enough in many difficult situations in the past but there has never been a shortage of passion, commitment, intensity. Trending: Watch: Rahul Dravid's 'angry' side leaves Virat Kohli in surprise "A lot of fun on the field and me as an individual have never felt that I wanna move away from the system just because I haven't won a title. That happens because things have been so organic, this cannot be created anywhere. This cannot be manufactured in a way that people are forcing me to play, and I am forcing the management to keep me, there has never been a conversation like that. So, things have been very organic. The respect, the care and the enjoyment I feel here, I don't think I can recreate anywhere else. The experience has been magical," Virat Kohli said in a video posted by RCB. After ending their IPL 2020 season in playoffs, RCB snapped the likes of Glenn Maxwell, Kyle Jamieson, Dan Christian among others as they look to end their trophy drought in the cash-rich T20 tournament. "It feels surreal. Honestly, it doesn't feel like we went away for too long as there was a lot of cricket in between as well but yeah, very excited that we are playing in India again. ALSO READ: IPL 2021, MI vs RCB: Chepauk's pitch report, Chennai's weather prediction and venue stats - All you need to know "Although in a different way, in a different setting. I am very optimistic and yes I have a good feeling this time around," Virat Kohli said in a video posted by RCB," Virat Kohli had said while joining the RCB bio-bubble in Chennai. RCB take on MI in the first match of IPL 2021 in Chennai on Friday.

Experience has been magical: Virat Kohli talks about his bonding with RCB ahead of IPL 2021

The Indian Premier League (IPL) is back in India with the 14th edition of the tournament set to roll on Friday.

While there is a massive buzz surrounding the cash-rich tournament among fans and cricket fraternity, IPL 2021 will witness a few tweaks amid challenging times.

From player changes to new guidelines, here are 10 things different in Indian Premier League 2021 ( IPL)

1. Length of innings

Strict guidelines have been issued to teams to finish their bowling innings in 90 minutes. Within this, there will be five minutes of strategic time-out. As a result, an innings will now last&nbsp;85 minutes. Otherwise, the match will have to be finished as per the overs bowled within this time. The move comes after many matches in previous editions were played beyond the permitted time.

2. Hour-long Super Over

It has been decided to extend the match for only an hour after the designated time ends. In the last IPL, a match ended in a tie even in the Super Over, which resulted in another Super Over. After the new regulations by the BCCI, Super Overs will have to be played within an hour of a tied match. If the winner is not decided within this hour, both teams taking part will claim one point each. The decision has been taken so that the games don't go beyond the stipulated time.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/show-must-go-on-how-will-bcci-pull-off-ipl-2021-the-second-tournament-in-the-pandemic-era-376252" hreflang="en">Show must go on: India awaits IPL 2021 amid COVID-19 pandemic worries</a>

3. Third umpire to watch short run&nbsp;

The duty of monitoring short run will now go to the third umpire. Rule 18 of the Laws of Cricket states that “a run is "short" if either, or both, batsmen fail to make good their ground -- cross the crease-- in turning for a further run. In IPL 2020, the on-field umpire mistakenly called a run by Chris Jordan short - which led to Kings XI Punjab - now Punjab Kings - losing the match by a narrow margin.

4. On-field umpire's soft signal scrapped

If an on-field umpire leaves a decision to the third umpire, he does not have to convey his own decision, known as a soft signal.&nbsp;Earlier, if the third umpire could not take a decision, the on-field umpire's decision was taken as final. That has now been scrapped. The move comes after controversy surrounding soft signal in the series between India and England, where skipper Virat Kohli had expressed his disappointment regarding the rule.

5. Who calls no-balls?

As per the updated IPL guidelines, the third umpire can overrule the no-ball decision made by the on-field umpire. The move comes to cut short human errors. Earlier, the third-umpire couldn't interfere in on-field no-ball calls.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/from-rabada-to-archer-key-players-set-to-miss-first-ipl-2021-match-of-their-teams-376238" hreflang="en">Key players set to miss first IPL 2021 match of their teams</a>

6. Name change

Punjab team has gone for a change of name and a refreshed brand presence. The XI is out from Kings XI Punjab, and it's now Punjab Kings. This is the first time in IPL history that the Punjab team has gone for a name change. It remains to be seen whether this will bring a change in fortune for the KL Rahul-led side.

7. Captain woes for Delhi Capitals

Shreyas Iyer, the captain of the Delhi Capitals, was ruled out of IPL 2021 due&nbsp;to a shoulder injury. Rishabh Pant has been named as the skipper in Iyer's absence. Interestingly, Pant had led Delhi's Ranji Trophy team, consisting of the likes of Gautam Gambhir, Nitish Rana, Navdeep Saini,&nbsp;to the final of the tournament in 2017.

8. Change of look

Most teams have new sponsors, and therefore, change in jersey.&nbsp;&nbsp;The overall design is also different for Mumbai Indians and Punjab Kings while the likes of Royal Challengers Bangalore and Rajashtan Royals have gone for a fresh look. Even Chennai Super Kings added a bit of flair to their jersey by adding camouflage shoulder strips as a tribute to the Indian armed forces.

9. Injury issues

Rajasthan Royals pacer Jofra Archer is not playing, at least initially, due to injury. The English star had surgery on his finger recently. His absence is seen as weakening the bowling attack of the team. However, the speedster is expected to return in the second phase of IPL 2021.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/vvs-laxman-to-wion-delhi-capitals-captaincy-will-help-rishabh-pant-reach-his-potential-376136" hreflang="en">VVS Laxman to WION: DC captaincy will help Rishabh Pant</a>

10. No home venues

IPL 2021 will be played across six venues: Chennai, Mumbai, Kolkata, New Delhi, Bengaluru and Ahmedabad. No teams will be able to play matches at their home venue as BCCI didn't want to hand an unfair advantage to any team. While the first leg will start at Chennai and Mumbai, the tournament will shift to Bengaluru, Kolkata and New Delhi in the next phase. Ahmedabad is scheduled to host the playoffs and final of IPL 2021.

The Indian Premier League (IPL) is back in India with the 14th edition of the tournament set to roll on Friday. While there is a massive buzz surrounding the cash-rich tournament among fans and cricket fraternity, IPL 2021 will witness a few tweaks amid challenging times.

The Indian Premier League (IPL) is back in India with the 14th edition of the tournament set to roll on Friday. While there is a massive buzz surrounding the cash-rich tournament among fans and cricket fraternity, IPL 2021 will witness a few tweaks amid challenging times. From player changes to new guidelines, here are 10 things different in Indian Premier League 2021 ( IPL) 1. Length of innings Strict guidelines have been issued to teams to finish their bowling innings in 90 minutes. Within this, there will be five minutes of strategic time-out. As a result, an innings will now last 85 minutes. Otherwise, the match will have to be finished as per the overs bowled within this time. The move comes after many matches in previous editions were played beyond the permitted time. 2. Hour-long Super Over It has been decided to extend the match for only an hour after the designated time ends. In the last IPL, a match ended in a tie even in the Super Over, which resulted in another Super Over. After the new regulations by the BCCI, Super Overs will have to be played within an hour of a tied match. If the winner is not decided within this hour, both teams taking part will claim one point each. The decision has been taken so that the games don't go beyond the stipulated time. ALSO READ: Show must go on: India awaits IPL 2021 amid COVID-19 pandemic worries 3. Third umpire to watch short run The duty of monitoring short run will now go to the third umpire. Rule 18 of the Laws of Cricket states that “a run is "short" if either, or both, batsmen fail to make good their ground -- cross the crease-- in turning for a further run. In IPL 2020, the on-field umpire mistakenly called a run by Chris Jordan short - which led to Kings XI Punjab - now Punjab Kings - losing the match by a narrow margin. 4. On-field umpire's soft signal scrapped If an on-field umpire leaves a decision to the third umpire, he does not have to convey his own decision, known as a soft signal. Earlier, if the third umpire could not take a decision, the on-field umpire's decision was taken as final. That has now been scrapped. The move comes after controversy surrounding soft signal in the series between India and England, where skipper Virat Kohli had expressed his disappointment regarding the rule. 5. Who calls no-balls? As per the updated IPL guidelines, the third umpire can overrule the no-ball decision made by the on-field umpire. The move comes to cut short human errors. Earlier, the third-umpire couldn't interfere in on-field no-ball calls. ALSO READ: Key players set to miss first IPL 2021 match of their teams 6. Name change Punjab team has gone for a change of name and a refreshed brand presence. The XI is out from Kings XI Punjab, and it's now Punjab Kings. This is the first time in IPL history that the Punjab team has gone for a name change. It remains to be seen whether this will bring a change in fortune for the KL Rahul-led side. 7. Captain woes for Delhi Capitals Shreyas Iyer, the captain of the Delhi Capitals, was ruled out of IPL 2021 due to a shoulder injury. Rishabh Pant has been named as the skipper in Iyer's absence. Interestingly, Pant had led Delhi's Ranji Trophy team, consisting of the likes of Gautam Gambhir, Nitish Rana, Navdeep Saini, to the final of the tournament in 2017. 8. Change of look Most teams have new sponsors, and therefore, change in jersey. The overall design is also different for Mumbai Indians and Punjab Kings while the likes of Royal Challengers Bangalore and Rajashtan Royals have gone for a fresh look. Even Chennai Super Kings added a bit of flair to their jersey by adding camouflage shoulder strips as a tribute to the Indian armed forces. 9. Injury issues Rajasthan Royals pacer Jofra Archer is not playing, at least initially, due to injury. The English star had surgery on his finger recently. His absence is seen as weakening the bowling attack of the team. However, the speedster is expected to return in the second phase of IPL 2021. ALSO READ: VVS Laxman to WION: DC captaincy will help Rishabh Pant 10. No home venues IPL 2021 will be played across six venues: Chennai, Mumbai, Kolkata, New Delhi, Bengaluru and Ahmedabad. No teams will be able to play matches at their home venue as BCCI didn't want to hand an unfair advantage to any team. While the first leg will start at Chennai and Mumbai, the tournament will shift to Bengaluru, Kolkata and New Delhi in the next phase. Ahmedabad is scheduled to host the playoffs and final of IPL 2021.

IPL 2021: What is new, what has changed, who is in, who is out? Ten things different this time

Royal Challengers Bangalore skipper Virat Kohli welcomed the newcomers to the team with a warm and motivating speech ahead of the start of the Indian Premier League.&nbsp;

IN PICS:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/list-of-five-major-records-rcb-captain-virat-kohli-can-break-in-ipl-2021-375916" hreflang="en">List of five major records RCB captain Virat Kohli can break in IPL 2021</a>

The Bangalore-based franchise had an exciting 2021 auction with Kyle Jamieson and Glenn Maxwell being the main highlight.&nbsp;

RCB also bought all-rounder Dan Christian, Sachin Baby, Rajat Patidar, Mohammed Azharuddeen, Suyash Prabhudesai and KS Bharat.

RCB took to social media and shared a video where skipper Kohli can be seen talking to his squad ahead of the practice session.&nbsp;

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T-2 Days: Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers at RCB’s practice session 
 
Full squad training at Chepauk, and some pep talk from the experienced folks, catch what happened at yesterday’s practice session on <a href="https://twitter.com/myntra?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@myntra</a> presents Bold Diaries.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PlayBold?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PlayBold</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WeAreChallengers?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WeAreChallengers</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IPL2021?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IPL2021</a> <a href="https://t.co/RSXKv6xD6B">pic.twitter.com/RSXKv6xD6B</a>
— Royal Challengers Bangalore (@RCBTweets) <a href="https://twitter.com/RCBTweets/status/1380015043325136897?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 8, 2021</a></blockquote>
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"To all the new guys who have joined RCB, welcome to this amazing group of guys. As you know from the guys that have played here in the past, the atmosphere, the energy throughout the season will be amazing. The only thing I expect from the guys is to make the most of the time spent of the field. Whether it’s practice sessions, needless to mention, I expect guys to show intensity. That’s the way we have always played and that won’t change," Kohli said.

Virat talked about the successful 2020 campaign when RCB got into the playoffs. He felt that the squad, this season, is stronger than the previous edition.&nbsp;

"Last year was a great step in the right direction for us and I feel like our squad is even stronger this year. I expect good things to happen again," Kohli added.

"But a lot of enjoyment happened last year and the focus was to make the most of the time we had, especially in our practice sessions. There was no mucking around, there was no wasting time. We were professionals in what we wanted to do and had a lot of fun as well through the season."

"I am backing you, the management is backing you. Players who have been selected, we believe they are going to contribute to the culture that RCB has, and to the plans that we’re going to execute on the field," the RCB captain said.

"If we all believe together, we can do some really specials things this season. All of us should look forward to it, I certainly look forward to it. So let’s get off to a good start boys."

Royal Challengers Bangalore will face defending champions Mumbai Indians in the IPL season opener on Friday.&nbsp;

Royal Challengers Bangalore skipper Virat Kohli welcomed the newcomers to the team with a warm and motivating speech ahead of the start of the Indian Premier League.

Royal Challengers Bangalore skipper Virat Kohli welcomed the newcomers to the team with a warm and motivating speech ahead of the start of the Indian Premier League. IN PICS: List of five major records RCB captain Virat Kohli can break in IPL 2021 The Bangalore-based franchise had an exciting 2021 auction with Kyle Jamieson and Glenn Maxwell being the main highlight. RCB also bought all-rounder Dan Christian, Sachin Baby, Rajat Patidar, Mohammed Azharuddeen, Suyash Prabhudesai and KS Bharat. RCB took to social media and shared a video where skipper Kohli can be seen talking to his squad ahead of the practice session. T-2 Days: Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers at RCB’s practice session Full squad training at Chepauk, and some pep talk from the experienced folks, catch what happened at yesterday’s practice session on @myntra presents Bold Diaries.#PlayBold #WeAreChallengers #IPL2021 pic.twitter.com/RSXKv6xD6B — Royal Challengers Bangalore (@RCBTweets) April 8, 2021 × "To all the new guys who have joined RCB, welcome to this amazing group of guys. As you know from the guys that have played here in the past, the atmosphere, the energy throughout the season will be amazing. The only thing I expect from the guys is to make the most of the time spent of the field. Whether it’s practice sessions, needless to mention, I expect guys to show intensity. That’s the way we have always played and that won’t change," Kohli said. Virat talked about the successful 2020 campaign when RCB got into the playoffs. He felt that the squad, this season, is stronger than the previous edition. "Last year was a great step in the right direction for us and I feel like our squad is even stronger this year. I expect good things to happen again," Kohli added. "But a lot of enjoyment happened last year and the focus was to make the most of the time we had, especially in our practice sessions. There was no mucking around, there was no wasting time. We were professionals in what we wanted to do and had a lot of fun as well through the season." "I am backing you, the management is backing you. Players who have been selected, we believe they are going to contribute to the culture that RCB has, and to the plans that we’re going to execute on the field," the RCB captain said. "If we all believe together, we can do some really specials things this season. All of us should look forward to it, I certainly look forward to it. So let’s get off to a good start boys." Royal Challengers Bangalore will face defending champions Mumbai Indians in the IPL season opener on Friday.

IPL 2021- 'I am backing you..': RCB skipper Virat Kohli welcomes newcomers with motivating speech

Mohammed Siraj recalled the tough times when his father passed away days before making his Test debut for Team India during the Australia series.&nbsp;

IN PICS:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/riley-meredith-shahrukh-khan-surprise-packages-who-can-take-ipl-2021-by-storm-375897" hreflang="en">Riley Meredith, Shahrukh Khan: Surprise packages who can take IPL 2021 by storm</a>

He remembered the difficult times when none of his teammates could even come to his room to offer condolences as strict quarantine guidelines were in place.

"During Australia tour, I was in quarantine and when we came back from practice, I got to know my father passed away. Unfortunately, no one could come to my room," said Siraj in a video uploaded on Twitter by RCB on Thursday.

"I called home and my fiance, mother were very supportive and they told me that I need to fulfill my father's dream of seeing me play for India."

"Jasprit Bumrah used to stand beside me whenever I was bowling. He told me to stick to the basics and not do something extra. It's nice to learn from such an experienced player," Siraj said.

Siraj had a prolific debut as he troubled the Aussie batting lineup with his length and pace.&nbsp;

"I even played with Ishant Sharma, he has played 100 Tests. It felt good to share the dressing room with him. My dream is to be the highest wicket-taker for India and I will work hard whenever I get an opportunity."&nbsp;

"Last year, when I joined RCB, I was low on confidence. But when I started bowling with the new ball, I was also bowling on a single wicket, which helped me a lot," he said.

"And then the performance against KKR gave me a lot of confidence. The team culture here is so nice that everyone used to get together and discuss stuff like Virat does." Siraj said he will look to continue his aggressive bowling after getting a good feedback from RCB's batting consultant Sanjay Bangar.

"I was talking to Sanjay sir. He told me that my rhythm is good. I am meeting you after so long but you are putting in the same effort that you used to put for the Indian team. Your rhythm, aggression and confidence ... it is all looking nice, so continue that."

(With inputs from PTI)

Mohammed Siraj recalled the tough times when his father passed away days before making his Test debut for Team India during the Australia series. IN PICS: Riley Meredith, Shahrukh Khan: Surprise packages who can take IPL 2021 by storm He remembered the difficult times when none of his teammates could even come to his room to offer condolences as strict quarantine guidelines were in place.

Mohammed Siraj recalled the tough times when his father passed away days before making his Test debut for Team India during the Australia series. IN PICS: Riley Meredith, Shahrukh Khan: Surprise packages who can take IPL 2021 by storm He remembered the difficult times when none of his teammates could even come to his room to offer condolences as strict quarantine guidelines were in place. "During Australia tour, I was in quarantine and when we came back from practice, I got to know my father passed away. Unfortunately, no one could come to my room," said Siraj in a video uploaded on Twitter by RCB on Thursday. "I called home and my fiance, mother were very supportive and they told me that I need to fulfill my father's dream of seeing me play for India." "Jasprit Bumrah used to stand beside me whenever I was bowling. He told me to stick to the basics and not do something extra. It's nice to learn from such an experienced player," Siraj said. Siraj had a prolific debut as he troubled the Aussie batting lineup with his length and pace. "I even played with Ishant Sharma, he has played 100 Tests. It felt good to share the dressing room with him. My dream is to be the highest wicket-taker for India and I will work hard whenever I get an opportunity." "Last year, when I joined RCB, I was low on confidence. But when I started bowling with the new ball, I was also bowling on a single wicket, which helped me a lot," he said. "And then the performance against KKR gave me a lot of confidence. The team culture here is so nice that everyone used to get together and discuss stuff like Virat does." Siraj said he will look to continue his aggressive bowling after getting a good feedback from RCB's batting consultant Sanjay Bangar. "I was talking to Sanjay sir. He told me that my rhythm is good. I am meeting you after so long but you are putting in the same effort that you used to put for the Indian team. Your rhythm, aggression and confidence ... it is all looking nice, so continue that." (With inputs from PTI)

'Was in quarantine when my father passed away': Mohammed Siraj recalls difficult times

Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) have had a strong squad every season only to have witnessed their campaign derail each and every time. While in IPL 2020, RCB made a strong claim for their first IPL trophy, their season ended in the playoffs.

With an aim to break the title jinx, Virat Kohli-led RCB would take the field in IPL 2021 with some new and big-name faces in the squad. <o:p></o:p>

Captain Kohli will take up the opener’s slot with Devdutt Padikkal in the RCB playing XI with the likes of AB de Villiers, Glenn Maxwell to follow. That itself makes up for a really strong top four and RCB would be hoping for the quartet to fire all cylinders with the bat.<o:p></o:p>

With the talent of Washington Sundar, Shahbaz Ahmed and new recruits Mohammad Azharuddeen, Harshal Patel providing exciting options, RCB’s lower-middle order also looks potent and well-capable of taking the death overs by storm. <o:p></o:p>

The overseas options of Dan Christian, Kyle Jamieson make the playing combination more lethal and on paper, better than ever. RCB spent heavily on the duo in a bid to solidify their all-rounder options.<o:p></o:p>

The bowling attack looks pretty similar to what it was last year and the likes of Mohammed Siraj, Navdeep Saini, Yuzvendra Chahal are expected to do the heavy lifting with the ball. <o:p></o:p>

While the new additions have opened new opportunities for RCB, it would be interesting to see how Kohli marshals his troops in the cash-rich T20 tournament. <o:p></o:p>

Can RCB end the trophyless run? It will depend on how they use their options.<o:p></o:p>

<h2 class="MsoNormal">Royal Challengers Bangalore, IPL 2021 squad<o:p></o:p></h2>

Virat Kohli (c), AB de Villiers (wk), Devdutt Padikkal, Finn Allen, Pavan Deshpande, Washington Sundar, Daniel Sams, Yuzvendra Chahal, Adam Zampa, Shahbaz Ahmed, Mohammed Siraj, Navdeep Saini, Kane Richardson, Harshal Patel, Glenn Maxwell, Sachin Baby, Rajat Patidar, Mohammed Azharuddeen (wk), Kyle Jamieson, Daniel Christian, Suyash Prabhudessai, KS Bharat<o:p></o:p>

Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) have had a strong squad every season only to have witnessed their campaign derail each and every time. While in IPL 2020, RCB made a strong claim for their first IPL trophy, their season ended in the playoffs.

Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) have had a strong squad every season only to have witnessed their campaign derail each and every time. While in IPL 2020, RCB made a strong claim for their first IPL trophy, their season ended in the playoffs. With an aim to break the title jinx, Virat Kohli-led RCB would take the field in IPL 2021 with some new and big-name faces in the squad. Captain Kohli will take up the opener’s slot with Devdutt Padikkal in the RCB playing XI with the likes of AB de Villiers, Glenn Maxwell to follow. That itself makes up for a really strong top four and RCB would be hoping for the quartet to fire all cylinders with the bat. With the talent of Washington Sundar, Shahbaz Ahmed and new recruits Mohammad Azharuddeen, Harshal Patel providing exciting options, RCB’s lower-middle order also looks potent and well-capable of taking the death overs by storm. The overseas options of Dan Christian, Kyle Jamieson make the playing combination more lethal and on paper, better than ever. RCB spent heavily on the duo in a bid to solidify their all-rounder options. The bowling attack looks pretty similar to what it was last year and the likes of Mohammed Siraj, Navdeep Saini, Yuzvendra Chahal are expected to do the heavy lifting with the ball. While the new additions have opened new opportunities for RCB, it would be interesting to see how Kohli marshals his troops in the cash-rich T20 tournament. Can RCB end the trophyless run? It will depend on how they use their options. Royal Challengers Bangalore, IPL 2021 squad Virat Kohli (c), AB de Villiers (wk), Devdutt Padikkal, Finn Allen, Pavan Deshpande, Washington Sundar, Daniel Sams, Yuzvendra Chahal, Adam Zampa, Shahbaz Ahmed, Mohammed Siraj, Navdeep Saini, Kane Richardson, Harshal Patel, Glenn Maxwell, Sachin Baby, Rajat Patidar, Mohammed Azharuddeen (wk), Kyle Jamieson, Daniel Christian, Suyash Prabhudessai, KS Bharat

IPL 2021, Royal Challengers Bangalore - Team Preview: Can captain Kohli guide RCB to maiden trophy?

Royal Challengers Bangalore’s Australian all-rounder Daniel Sams on Wednesday tested positive for COVID-19, days ahead of the start of Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021. While Sams tested positive for the dreaded virus, opener Devdutt Padikkal returned negative and has joined the squad.

According to a statement by RCB, the Australian all-rounder arrived in India on April 3 and had a negative COVID-19 test report at that time. Sams’ report on April 7 came positive and the RCB player is currently in isolation at a medical facility.

“Daniel Sams checked into the team hotel in Chennai on April 3rd, with a negative COVID report on arrival. His report from the 2nd test on 7th April came positive. Sams is currently asymptomatic and he is currently in isolation at a designated medical facility,” RCB said in a statement.

“Royal Challengers Bangalore medical team is in constant touch with Daniel Sams and continue to monitor his health and abide by the BCCI protocols."

Sams was traded to RCB this season from his previous franchise Delhi Capitals. The 28-year-old became the second player from the Bengaluru franchise to test positive after Padikkal.

"Devdutt Padikkal, has joined the team on 7th April 2021 with negative reports for Covid-19 as per BCCI protocols. RCB medical team was in constant touch with Devdutt to ensure his safety and well-being," the franchise stated in a separate release.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Bold Diaries: Devdutt Padikkal joins the RCB camp after testing negative for COVID-19. He’s healthy, feeling better and raring to go. Here’s a message to all RCB fans from Devdutt.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PlayBold?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PlayBold</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WeAreChallengers?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WeAreChallengers</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IPL2021?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IPL2021</a> <a href="https://t.co/BtVszNABJW">pic.twitter.com/BtVszNABJW</a>
— Royal Challengers Bangalore (@RCBTweets) <a href="https://twitter.com/RCBTweets/status/1379667755482243073?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 7, 2021</a></blockquote>
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While Sams has played only three IPL matches with his tournament debut coming for Delhi Capitals in IPL 2020.

The 14th edition of IPL has been hit hard by COVID-19 with a number of groundstaff at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, broadcast crew event management officials and a few cricketers including the likes of Axar Patel, Nitish Rana testing positive for the dreaded virus early.

IPL 2021 is set to start from April 9, behind closed doors in India.

<o:p></o:p>

Royal Challengers Bangalore’s Australian all-rounder Daniel Sams on Wednesday tested positive for COVID-19, days ahead of the start of Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021.

Royal Challengers Bangalore’s Australian all-rounder Daniel Sams on Wednesday tested positive for COVID-19, days ahead of the start of Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021. While Sams tested positive for the dreaded virus, opener Devdutt Padikkal returned negative and has joined the squad. According to a statement by RCB, the Australian all-rounder arrived in India on April 3 and had a negative COVID-19 test report at that time. Sams’ report on April 7 came positive and the RCB player is currently in isolation at a medical facility. “Daniel Sams checked into the team hotel in Chennai on April 3rd, with a negative COVID report on arrival. His report from the 2nd test on 7th April came positive. Sams is currently asymptomatic and he is currently in isolation at a designated medical facility,” RCB said in a statement. “Royal Challengers Bangalore medical team is in constant touch with Daniel Sams and continue to monitor his health and abide by the BCCI protocols." Sams was traded to RCB this season from his previous franchise Delhi Capitals. The 28-year-old became the second player from the Bengaluru franchise to test positive after Padikkal. "Devdutt Padikkal, has joined the team on 7th April 2021 with negative reports for Covid-19 as per BCCI protocols. RCB medical team was in constant touch with Devdutt to ensure his safety and well-being," the franchise stated in a separate release. Bold Diaries: Devdutt Padikkal joins the RCB camp after testing negative for COVID-19. He’s healthy, feeling better and raring to go. Here’s a message to all RCB fans from Devdutt.#PlayBold #WeAreChallengers #IPL2021 pic.twitter.com/BtVszNABJW — Royal Challengers Bangalore (@RCBTweets) April 7, 2021 × While Sams has played only three IPL matches with his tournament debut coming for Delhi Capitals in IPL 2020. The 14th edition of IPL has been hit hard by COVID-19 with a number of groundstaff at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, broadcast crew event management officials and a few cricketers including the likes of Axar Patel, Nitish Rana testing positive for the dreaded virus early. IPL 2021 is set to start from April 9, behind closed doors in India.

IPL 2021: RCB all-rounder tests positive for COVID-19, Devdutt Padikkal joins squad

Royal Challengers Bangalore star AB de Villiers remains an elite white-ball cricketer despite years after retirement from the international level. He has been a part of the Indian Premier League right from the inaugural season (2008) and has played against and with several big names in the cash-rich T20 league. The Proteas legend picked his IPL all-time XI.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2021-pant-doesnt-have-to-worry-about-being-like-ms-dhoni-can-be-better-says-parthiv-374766" hreflang="en">IPL 2021: Pant doesn't have to worry about being like MS Dhoni, can be better, says Parthiv</a>

"Last night I was thinking that if I pick my IPL XI and I include myself, how bad would that look. So, opening the batting, I would pick someone whom I started with at Delhi, Viru (Virender Sehwag) at 1 and someone who I think has played some of the best cricket in the world in the last five years, Rohit at No. 2," De Villiers told Cricbuzz in an interaction.

He named his current skipper, Virat Kohli, at number three.&nbsp;

"Then obviously Virat at No. 3, followed by I’d say either Williamson, or Smith, or myself… these are the two replacements. Ben Stokes at 5, MS at six as captain, and at No. 7, I’d put Jaddu, Mr Jadeja. Rashid Khan at 8, Bhuvi at 9, Kagiso Rabada at 10 and Bumrah at 11," de Villiers said.

"I’d put Stokes because obviously we know what he can do with the bat, but also considering that extra seaming option. Got the two spinners and then Bumrah, Rabada and Bhuvi as fast bowlers. So that pretty much covers everything," de Villiers mentioned.

AB de Villiers all-time XI: Virender Sehwag, Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Kane Williamson/Steve Smith/AB de Villiers, Ben Stokes, MS Dhoni, Ravindra Jadeja, Rashid Khan, Kagiso Rabada, Jasprit Bumrah&nbsp;

Royal Challengers Bangalore star AB de Villiers remains an elite white-ball cricketer despite years after retirement from the international level. He has been a part of the Indian Premier League right from the inaugural season (2008) and has played against and with several big names in the cash-rich T20 league.

Royal Challengers Bangalore star AB de Villiers remains an elite white-ball cricketer despite years after retirement from the international level. He has been a part of the Indian Premier League right from the inaugural season (2008) and has played against and with several big names in the cash-rich T20 league. The Proteas legend picked his IPL all-time XI. ALSO READ: IPL 2021: Pant doesn't have to worry about being like MS Dhoni, can be better, says Parthiv "Last night I was thinking that if I pick my IPL XI and I include myself, how bad would that look. So, opening the batting, I would pick someone whom I started with at Delhi, Viru (Virender Sehwag) at 1 and someone who I think has played some of the best cricket in the world in the last five years, Rohit at No. 2," De Villiers told Cricbuzz in an interaction. He named his current skipper, Virat Kohli, at number three. "Then obviously Virat at No. 3, followed by I’d say either Williamson, or Smith, or myself… these are the two replacements. Ben Stokes at 5, MS at six as captain, and at No. 7, I’d put Jaddu, Mr Jadeja. Rashid Khan at 8, Bhuvi at 9, Kagiso Rabada at 10 and Bumrah at 11," de Villiers said. "I’d put Stokes because obviously we know what he can do with the bat, but also considering that extra seaming option. Got the two spinners and then Bumrah, Rabada and Bhuvi as fast bowlers. So that pretty much covers everything," de Villiers mentioned. AB de Villiers all-time XI: Virender Sehwag, Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Kane Williamson/Steve Smith/AB de Villiers, Ben Stokes, MS Dhoni, Ravindra Jadeja, Rashid Khan, Kagiso Rabada, Jasprit Bumrah

'Pretty much covers everything': RCB star AB De Villiers picks his IPL all-time XI

Royal Challengers Bangalore captain Virat Kohli on Friday said that he is "excited" for the upcoming season of the Indian Premier League as it returns to India.

"It feels surreal. Honestly, it doesn't feel like we went away for too long as there was a lot of cricket in between as well but yeah, very excited that we are playing in India again," said Kohli in a video posted on RCB's Twitter.

"Although in a different way, in a different setting. I am very optimistic and yes I have a good feeling this time around," he added.

AB De Villiers feels that RCB can build on the momentum it gained in the previous edition of the cash-rich T20 league when the team qualified for the playoffs.&nbsp;

"It was a long journey. Very happy to be back with RCB, it feels like yesterday that we finished the IPL. I feel we have the momentum from the last tournament and we'll have a lot of fun," said de Villiers.

"There are some new names but also old names, the people I have known for ages. Dan (Christian) has been with RCB before, it's Maxi's (Maxwell) first time but we all have seen him so often in the IPL, hopefully, a lot of games for us to win together," he added

The Royal Challengers will kick off their IPL campaign in the season opener against Mumbai Indians on April 9 &nbsp;at the MA Chidambaram Stadium.&nbsp;

Royal Challengers Bangalore captain Virat Kohli on Friday said that he is "excited" for the upcoming season of the Indian Premier League as it returns to India. "It feels surreal.

Royal Challengers Bangalore captain Virat Kohli on Friday said that he is "excited" for the upcoming season of the Indian Premier League as it returns to India. "It feels surreal. Honestly, it doesn't feel like we went away for too long as there was a lot of cricket in between as well but yeah, very excited that we are playing in India again," said Kohli in a video posted on RCB's Twitter. "Although in a different way, in a different setting. I am very optimistic and yes I have a good feeling this time around," he added. AB De Villiers feels that RCB can build on the momentum it gained in the previous edition of the cash-rich T20 league when the team qualified for the playoffs. "It was a long journey. Very happy to be back with RCB, it feels like yesterday that we finished the IPL. I feel we have the momentum from the last tournament and we'll have a lot of fun," said de Villiers. "There are some new names but also old names, the people I have known for ages. Dan (Christian) has been with RCB before, it's Maxi's (Maxwell) first time but we all have seen him so often in the IPL, hopefully, a lot of games for us to win together," he added The Royal Challengers will kick off their IPL campaign in the season opener against Mumbai Indians on April 9 at the MA Chidambaram Stadium.

'Very excited that we are playing in India again': RCB skipper Virat Kohli

Royal Challengers Bangalore's (RCB) Director of Cricket, Mike Hesson has said that star player Ab de Villiers will be a real wicket-keeping option for the franchise in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021, scheduled to start from April 9.&nbsp;&nbsp;

With the inclusion of Mohammed&nbsp;Azharuddeen, KS Bharat and Finn Allen, RCB have a plethora of option when it comes to wicket-keeping duties but whenever de Villiers has kept wickets for the franchise, it has provided a good balance to the outfit.&nbsp;The former South Africa captain had donned the gloves in a few IPL 2020 matches as well.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Hesson&nbsp;said that&nbsp;de Villiers is expected to keep for a few matches for RCB in IPL 2021 but refused to commit a name for the wicket-keeping duties for the entire season.&nbsp;

“AB de Villiers donned the wicketkeeping gloves in a few matches last year and he is expected to do the same this year if it fixes the balance of the playing XI," said the former New Zealand cricket coach in a video posted by the official Twitter handle of RCB.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/ipl-2021-who-will-captain-delhi-capitals-in-absence-of-shreyas-iyer-check-the-list-of-options-372866" hreflang="en">IPL 2021: Who will captain Delhi Capitals in absence of Shreyas Iyer? Check the list of options</a>

"We were delighted with the fact that AB de Villiers loved wicketkeeping and he embraced it. He wanted to continue doing it, he is a real option. We now have a couple of other wicketkeeping options which is great. Mohammed&nbsp;Azharuddeen&nbsp;is a natural athlete with gloves and in the field. We also have KS Bharat. He is a natural keeper (and) gives us different options as well,” he added.&nbsp;

"We are not going to make the commitment now to you guys as to who will do what. We are really pleased with the options we have got and AB is certainly one of those.”&nbsp;

RCB's training camp will begin next week on Monday (March 29) ahead of their season opener against MI. De Villiers is scheduled to arrive in India on March 28.&nbsp;

"We have got players arriving all the way through till April 1. Finn Allen will be playing in T20I in New Zealand on April 1 and then he will come the day after... ABD arrives on 28," he earlier said.&nbsp;&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/i-think-both-of-them-vvs-laxman-on-suryakumar-yadav-ishan-kishan-for-t20i-world-cup-373288" hreflang="en">'I think both of them..': VVS Laxman on Suryakumar Yadav, Ishan Kishan for T20I World Cup</a>

"It is very different than the last year where we had everybody together for a long period of time on the back of a period where the guys had not trained or played. So, this time it is different, we got players playing international cricket over here and overseas and domestic cricket up until a handful of days ago. So, we had to prepare in slightly different ways,” he added.&nbsp;

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 commences from April 9.&nbsp;

Royal Challengers Bangalore's (RCB) Director of Cricket, Mike Hesson has said that star player Ab de Villiers will be a real wicket-keeping option for the franchise in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021, scheduled to start from April 9.

Royal Challengers Bangalore's (RCB) Director of Cricket, Mike Hesson has said that star player Ab de Villiers will be a real wicket-keeping option for the franchise in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021, scheduled to start from April 9. With the inclusion of Mohammed Azharuddeen, KS Bharat and Finn Allen, RCB have a plethora of option when it comes to wicket-keeping duties but whenever de Villiers has kept wickets for the franchise, it has provided a good balance to the outfit. The former South Africa captain had donned the gloves in a few IPL 2020 matches as well. Hesson said that de Villiers is expected to keep for a few matches for RCB in IPL 2021 but refused to commit a name for the wicket-keeping duties for the entire season. “AB de Villiers donned the wicketkeeping gloves in a few matches last year and he is expected to do the same this year if it fixes the balance of the playing XI," said the former New Zealand cricket coach in a video posted by the official Twitter handle of RCB. ALSO READ: IPL 2021: Who will captain Delhi Capitals in absence of Shreyas Iyer? Check the list of options "We were delighted with the fact that AB de Villiers loved wicketkeeping and he embraced it. He wanted to continue doing it, he is a real option. We now have a couple of other wicketkeeping options which is great. Mohammed Azharuddeen is a natural athlete with gloves and in the field. We also have KS Bharat. He is a natural keeper (and) gives us different options as well,” he added. "We are not going to make the commitment now to you guys as to who will do what. We are really pleased with the options we have got and AB is certainly one of those.” RCB's training camp will begin next week on Monday (March 29) ahead of their season opener against MI. De Villiers is scheduled to arrive in India on March 28. "We have got players arriving all the way through till April 1. Finn Allen will be playing in T20I in New Zealand on April 1 and then he will come the day after... ABD arrives on 28," he earlier said. ALSO READ: 'I think both of them..': VVS Laxman on Suryakumar Yadav, Ishan Kishan for T20I World Cup "It is very different than the last year where we had everybody together for a long period of time on the back of a period where the guys had not trained or played. So, this time it is different, we got players playing international cricket over here and overseas and domestic cricket up until a handful of days ago. So, we had to prepare in slightly different ways,” he added. The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 commences from April 9.

Mike Hesson expects AB de Villiers to keep wickets for RCB in IPL 2021

Australian leg-spinner Adam Zampa is set to miss the first match of Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 for his franchise Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) due to his marriage, RCB's director of cricket Mike Hesson has confirmed.&nbsp;

RCB is scheduled to lock horns with defending champions Mumbai Indians on&nbsp;April 9 in what will be the tournament opener in Chennai.&nbsp;

Zampa played just three matches for RCB in IPL 2020 and picked up two wickets. He has 200 wickets in 173 T20s.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"We won't have our full contingent of overseas players available for the first game," Hesson said&nbsp;in a video posted by RCB on Twitter.&nbsp;"Adam Zampa is getting married. It's an important time for him and it's something that as a franchise we are aware of and we respect and we hope he has a great time. So when he joins us, once again he is going to be fresh and make a massive contribution to the rest of the tournament."&nbsp;

Most of RCB's overseas contingent will arrive in India in a scattered manner with regards to international commitments and&nbsp;NOCs&nbsp;from their respective boards. Upon landing in India, they will have to serve a mandatory seven-day quarantine period before joining their team.&nbsp;

"We have got players arriving all the way through till 1st of April, which is where we get the NOCs for some of the overseas players, particularly those who are playing," Hesson said. "Finn Allen is playing in T20s in New Zealand on the 1st of April; he will be coming the day after. We have got Australians who play up to 31st, likes of Daniel&nbsp;Sams, Kane Richardson. They then jump on a plane and come. ABD [de Villiers] arrives on 28th.&nbsp;

"I see it as a jigsaw puzzle, pulling everything together. Those guys who haven't been playing a huge amount of cricket, it [the quarantine period] will benefit them. Those who have, I think seven days will be great for them just to refresh"&nbsp;

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RCB’s IPL 2021 Camp and Player Availability 
 
When’s the pre-season camp starting? When are the overseas players arriving? On <a href="https://twitter.com/myntra?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@myntra</a> presents Bold Diaries, Mike Hesson leaves no room for speculations ahead of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/VivoIPL2021?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#VivoIPL2021</a>.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PlayBold?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PlayBold</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WeAreChallengers?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WeAreChallengers</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IPL2021?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IPL2021</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Classof2021?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Classof2021</a> <a href="https://t.co/yxBFNYVwW8">pic.twitter.com/yxBFNYVwW8</a>
— Royal Challengers Bangalore (@RCBTweets) <a href="https://twitter.com/RCBTweets/status/1374564125616013313?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 24, 2021</a></blockquote>
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"So&nbsp;we have got players arriving at different times and we have to factor that into our preparation, which will include some practice games heading into our first game on 9th."&nbsp;

Meanwhile, RCB is set to commence their camp in Chennai on March 29.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"We have got some who have been in the bubble all the time, so they will come straight bubble to bubble transfer," Hesson explained. "From Pune, they will join us. We have got one or two who will have a day or two at home. They have been in a bubble for so long and need to freshen up. When they will be arriving, they obviously will have to take their seven-day quarantine.&nbsp;

"I see it as a jigsaw puzzle, pulling everything together. But really keen to get started. Those guys who haven't been playing a huge amount of cricket, it [the quarantine period] will benefit them. Those who have, I think seven days will be great for them just to refresh."&nbsp;

Australian leg-spinner Adam Zampa is set to miss the first match of Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 for his franchise Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) due to his marriage, RCB's director of cricket Mike Hesson has confirmed.

Australian leg-spinner Adam Zampa is set to miss the first match of Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 for his franchise Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) due to his marriage, RCB's director of cricket Mike Hesson has confirmed. RCB is scheduled to lock horns with defending champions Mumbai Indians on April 9 in what will be the tournament opener in Chennai. Zampa played just three matches for RCB in IPL 2020 and picked up two wickets. He has 200 wickets in 173 T20s. "We won't have our full contingent of overseas players available for the first game," Hesson said in a video posted by RCB on Twitter. "Adam Zampa is getting married. It's an important time for him and it's something that as a franchise we are aware of and we respect and we hope he has a great time. So when he joins us, once again he is going to be fresh and make a massive contribution to the rest of the tournament." Most of RCB's overseas contingent will arrive in India in a scattered manner with regards to international commitments and NOCs from their respective boards. Upon landing in India, they will have to serve a mandatory seven-day quarantine period before joining their team. "We have got players arriving all the way through till 1st of April, which is where we get the NOCs for some of the overseas players, particularly those who are playing," Hesson said. "Finn Allen is playing in T20s in New Zealand on the 1st of April; he will be coming the day after. We have got Australians who play up to 31st, likes of Daniel Sams, Kane Richardson. They then jump on a plane and come. ABD [de Villiers] arrives on 28th. "I see it as a jigsaw puzzle, pulling everything together. Those guys who haven't been playing a huge amount of cricket, it [the quarantine period] will benefit them. Those who have, I think seven days will be great for them just to refresh" RCB’s IPL 2021 Camp and Player Availability When’s the pre-season camp starting? When are the overseas players arriving? On @myntra presents Bold Diaries, Mike Hesson leaves no room for speculations ahead of #VivoIPL2021.#PlayBold #WeAreChallengers #IPL2021 #Classof2021 pic.twitter.com/yxBFNYVwW8 — Royal Challengers Bangalore (@RCBTweets) March 24, 2021 × "So we have got players arriving at different times and we have to factor that into our preparation, which will include some practice games heading into our first game on 9th." Meanwhile, RCB is set to commence their camp in Chennai on March 29. "We have got some who have been in the bubble all the time, so they will come straight bubble to bubble transfer," Hesson explained. "From Pune, they will join us. We have got one or two who will have a day or two at home. They have been in a bubble for so long and need to freshen up. When they will be arriving, they obviously will have to take their seven-day quarantine. "I see it as a jigsaw puzzle, pulling everything together. But really keen to get started. Those guys who haven't been playing a huge amount of cricket, it [the quarantine period] will benefit them. Those who have, I think seven days will be great for them just to refresh."

IPL 2021: Australia's Adam Zampa to miss RCB's first match vs Mumbai Indians

Virat Kohli on Monday explained why he will be opening the batting for Royal Challengers Bangalore in the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021. Kohli had opened the batting with Rohit Sharma in the fifth T20I against England in Ahmedabad as the duo stitched a 94-run partnership to put India in a strong position. India went on to defeat England to seal the T20I series 3-2 and the Men in Blue would be hoping to carry the good run of form in the ODIs against England, commencing Tuesday in Pune.&nbsp;

In IPL 2016, Kohli had opened the batting for RCB and ended up having his best-ever season in the T20 tournament.&nbsp;He had amassed 973 runs in 16 games at an average of 81.08 and a strike rate of 152.03. However, since then the swashbuckling batsman has continued to bat at number three&nbsp;in the cash-rich tournament.

"Firstly, the combination that plays on the field, the selectors do not have any role in that just like the management does not have any role in who gets selected. Secondly, as Rohit mentioned it was a strategic move, but we did enjoy batting together in the last T20I. We did enjoy our partnership and we saw the effects of us batting together and knowing what we can do to the opposition if we bat throughout. It is not a guarantee that it is going to be continued in the future," said Virat during a virtual press conference on Monday.&nbsp;

Kohli further said that he will open in IPL to understand his role as an opener while opening up a slot for in-form batsman Suryakumar Yadav.&nbsp;&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/no-doubts-about-that-virat-kohli-confirms-indias-opening-pair-for-england-odis-372279" hreflang="en">'No doubts about that': Virat Kohli confirms India's opening pair for England ODIs</a>

"I am going to open in the IPL to keep all options open. I have batted at three, four and now I need to understand my role as an opener which I have done successfully in the past in T20 cricket so that I provide an option to open up a slot for someone like Surya, if he can continue to bat like that, I should be open to playing any kind of role that the team requires me to. We will have a conversation about this when we get closer to the T20 World Cup. It would be interesting to see how I go about my job as an opener in the IPL,"&nbsp;the Indian skipper added.&nbsp;

When asked whether ODIs have come out of nowhere in the year where the side is preparing for the T20 World Cup, Kohli said: "Look, it is a difficult one. Scheduling is something that is not in our control. For us, in international games, every game is important and every game has value. It is an opportunity to represent your team and for us, that remains the sole focus. Yes, along the way as I have said in the past, scheduling and workload are something everyone will be very aware of. In today's day and age, you never know when restrictions are going to come in and even in the future, you might have to continue playing in bubbles.&nbsp;

"It is important to consider how much cricket you are playing, it is just not about the physical side of things, it is mental side as well. Players need to be spoken to and consulted with all around. Otherwise, it is going to be a case of whoever can last plays and if not, some other player replaces that person and I do not think it is healthy for cricket system and culture going forward," said Kohli.&nbsp;&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/it-all-depends-on-eoin-morgan-provides-update-on-jofra-archers-chances-of-playing-in-ipl-2021-372269" hreflang="en">'It all depends on...': Eoin Morgan provides update on Jofra Archer's chances of playing in IPL 2021</a>

After winning the Test and T20I series, India would be hoping to win the three-ODI series against world champions England in Pune starting from Tuesday (March 23).&nbsp;&nbsp;

India's&nbsp;ODI squad: Virat Kohli (Captain), Rohit Sharma (vice-captain), Shikhar Dhawan, Shubman Gill, Shreyas Iyer, Suryakumar Yadav, Hardik Pandya, Rishabh Pant (wicket-keeper), KL Rahul (wicket-keeper),&nbsp;Yuzvendra&nbsp;Chahal, Kuldeep Yadav, Krunal Pandya, Washington Sundar, T Natarajan, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Md. Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Shardul Thakur.&nbsp;

Virat Kohli on Monday explained why he will be opening the batting for Royal Challengers Bangalore in the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021. Kohli had opened the batting with Rohit Sharma in the fifth T20I against England in Ahmedabad as the duo stitched a 94-run partnership to put India in a strong position.

Virat Kohli on Monday explained why he will be opening the batting for Royal Challengers Bangalore in the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021. Kohli had opened the batting with Rohit Sharma in the fifth T20I against England in Ahmedabad as the duo stitched a 94-run partnership to put India in a strong position. India went on to defeat England to seal the T20I series 3-2 and the Men in Blue would be hoping to carry the good run of form in the ODIs against England, commencing Tuesday in Pune. In IPL 2016, Kohli had opened the batting for RCB and ended up having his best-ever season in the T20 tournament. He had amassed 973 runs in 16 games at an average of 81.08 and a strike rate of 152.03. However, since then the swashbuckling batsman has continued to bat at number three in the cash-rich tournament. "Firstly, the combination that plays on the field, the selectors do not have any role in that just like the management does not have any role in who gets selected. Secondly, as Rohit mentioned it was a strategic move, but we did enjoy batting together in the last T20I. We did enjoy our partnership and we saw the effects of us batting together and knowing what we can do to the opposition if we bat throughout. It is not a guarantee that it is going to be continued in the future," said Virat during a virtual press conference on Monday. Kohli further said that he will open in IPL to understand his role as an opener while opening up a slot for in-form batsman Suryakumar Yadav. ALSO READ: 'No doubts about that': Virat Kohli confirms India's opening pair for England ODIs "I am going to open in the IPL to keep all options open. I have batted at three, four and now I need to understand my role as an opener which I have done successfully in the past in T20 cricket so that I provide an option to open up a slot for someone like Surya, if he can continue to bat like that, I should be open to playing any kind of role that the team requires me to. We will have a conversation about this when we get closer to the T20 World Cup. It would be interesting to see how I go about my job as an opener in the IPL," the Indian skipper added. When asked whether ODIs have come out of nowhere in the year where the side is preparing for the T20 World Cup, Kohli said: "Look, it is a difficult one. Scheduling is something that is not in our control. For us, in international games, every game is important and every game has value. It is an opportunity to represent your team and for us, that remains the sole focus. Yes, along the way as I have said in the past, scheduling and workload are something everyone will be very aware of. In today's day and age, you never know when restrictions are going to come in and even in the future, you might have to continue playing in bubbles. "It is important to consider how much cricket you are playing, it is just not about the physical side of things, it is mental side as well. Players need to be spoken to and consulted with all around. Otherwise, it is going to be a case of whoever can last plays and if not, some other player replaces that person and I do not think it is healthy for cricket system and culture going forward," said Kohli. ALSO READ: 'It all depends on...': Eoin Morgan provides update on Jofra Archer's chances of playing in IPL 2021 After winning the Test and T20I series, India would be hoping to win the three-ODI series against world champions England in Pune starting from Tuesday (March 23). India's ODI squad: Virat Kohli (Captain), Rohit Sharma (vice-captain), Shikhar Dhawan, Shubman Gill, Shreyas Iyer, Suryakumar Yadav, Hardik Pandya, Rishabh Pant (wicket-keeper), KL Rahul (wicket-keeper), Yuzvendra Chahal, Kuldeep Yadav, Krunal Pandya, Washington Sundar, T Natarajan, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Md. Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Shardul Thakur.

Virat Kohli explains why he will be opening for RCB in IPL 2021

Australian all-rounder Glenn Maxwell is looking forward to playing alongside Virat Kohli in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021, terming the Indian skipper “the pinnacle of the game” for his sheer dominance across formats. Maxwell was signed by Royal Challengers Bangalore for a whopping INR 14.25 crore despite a&nbsp;below-average outing in IPL 2020 with Kings XI Punjab, now Punjab Kings.&nbsp;

Maxwell said the RCB stint is going to be next level as the Aussie heaped praise on Kohli for his ability to adapt to different formats and deal with the pressure of being the captain of the Indian team and the best player.&nbsp;

"It's (RCB stint) going to be next level," Maxwell told Australian Associated Press (AAP).&nbsp;&nbsp;

IN PICS:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-signed-bats-to-historic-photos-inside-the-hall-of-fame-zone-narendra-modi-stadium-365726" hreflang="en">From signed bats to historic photos: Inside the 'Hall of Fame' zone Narendra Modi Stadium</a>

"He's (Kohli) been the pinnacle of the game for a while as a multi-format player from Tests all the way to T20s. He's been able to adapt his game, dominate for a long period of time and deal with the Indian pressure of being their captain and their best player," Maxwell added.&nbsp;

IPL 2021 is likely to commence in the second week of April and Maxwell is hoping to grasp leadership qualities from Kohli.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"I'm looking forward to watching him go about his work, not just in games but in training, and hopefully tapping into some of the leadership stuff and try and learn off him."&nbsp;&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/4th-test-india-pushing-conditions-to-extremities-ball-will-turn-from-ball-one-ben-foakes-366877" hreflang="en">4th Test: India pushing conditions to extremities, ball will turn from ball one - Ben Foakes</a>

"He's been a solid backer of my stance," Maxwell said.&nbsp;

"In a way, he probably understood a lot of the things that I was going through. A lot of expectation and pressure, which I'm sure he can relate to."&nbsp;

Recently, Kohli opened up his battle with depression during India’s tour of England in 2014 while lauding Maxwell’s decision to take a break from the game.&nbsp;

Australian all-rounder Glenn Maxwell is looking forward to playing alongside Virat Kohli in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021, terming the Indian skipper “the pinnacle of the game” for his sheer dominance across formats.

Australian all-rounder Glenn Maxwell is looking forward to playing alongside Virat Kohli in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021, terming the Indian skipper “the pinnacle of the game” for his sheer dominance across formats. Maxwell was signed by Royal Challengers Bangalore for a whopping INR 14.25 crore despite a below-average outing in IPL 2020 with Kings XI Punjab, now Punjab Kings. Maxwell said the RCB stint is going to be next level as the Aussie heaped praise on Kohli for his ability to adapt to different formats and deal with the pressure of being the captain of the Indian team and the best player. "It's (RCB stint) going to be next level," Maxwell told Australian Associated Press (AAP). IN PICS: From signed bats to historic photos: Inside the 'Hall of Fame' zone Narendra Modi Stadium "He's (Kohli) been the pinnacle of the game for a while as a multi-format player from Tests all the way to T20s. He's been able to adapt his game, dominate for a long period of time and deal with the Indian pressure of being their captain and their best player," Maxwell added. IPL 2021 is likely to commence in the second week of April and Maxwell is hoping to grasp leadership qualities from Kohli. "I'm looking forward to watching him go about his work, not just in games but in training, and hopefully tapping into some of the leadership stuff and try and learn off him." ALSO READ: 4th Test: India pushing conditions to extremities, ball will turn from ball one - Ben Foakes "He's been a solid backer of my stance," Maxwell said. "In a way, he probably understood a lot of the things that I was going through. A lot of expectation and pressure, which I'm sure he can relate to." Recently, Kohli opened up his battle with depression during India’s tour of England in 2014 while lauding Maxwell’s decision to take a break from the game.

IPL 2021: Glenn Maxwell eager to learn from 'pinnacle of the game' Virat Kohli at RCB

Explosive all-rounder Glenn Maxwell will go under the hammer for the base price of Rs. 2 crores for the upcoming IPL 2021 auctions.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/watch-virat-kohli-loses-cool-after-umpires-call-hands-joe-root-a-lifeline-363823" hreflang="en">Watch: Virat Kohli loses cool after 'umpire's call' hands Joe Root a lifeline</a>

Maxwell, who was released by Punjab Kings (formerly Kings XI Punjab), has set his eyes on Virat's Royal Challengers Bangalore as he can play alongside his "idol" AB de Villiers.&nbsp;

"That'll be awesome. AB [is] one of my idols and one of the guys I've always tried to watch the way he goes about [things]," Maxwell was quoted as saying by ESPNCricinfo.&nbsp;

"It'll be awesome to work with him, and he's always been really helpful to me along the journey. Whenever I've caught up with him, he's been brilliant. So to be able to work with him first hand will be pretty cool."

Former Proteas batsman De Villiers has been a part of the Royal Challengers since 2011. The prolific batsman has scored 4178 runs from 141 matches. RCB skipper Virat Kohli and AB De Villiers are often considered as one of the IPL's most dangerous batting duo and Maxwell's inclusion could bolster the attack for the Challengers.&nbsp;

"I get along with Virat pretty well. It'll be certainly nice to work under Virat and will certainly enjoy batting with him - that's for sure," Maxwell added.

IPL 2021 Auctions: 292 players have been shortlisted to go under auction for the upcoming Indian Premier League. These players have been picked from the initial list of 1,114 cricketers. The auction for IPL 2021 will be held on February 18 in Chennai.

Explosive all-rounder Glenn Maxwell will go under the hammer for the base price of Rs. 2 crores for the upcoming IPL 2021 auctions. ALSO READ: Watch: Virat Kohli loses cool after 'umpire's call' hands Joe Root a lifeline Maxwell, who was released by Punjab Kings (formerly Kings XI Punjab), has set his eyes on Virat's Royal Challengers Bangalore as he can play alongside his "idol" AB de Villiers.

Explosive all-rounder Glenn Maxwell will go under the hammer for the base price of Rs. 2 crores for the upcoming IPL 2021 auctions. ALSO READ: Watch: Virat Kohli loses cool after 'umpire's call' hands Joe Root a lifeline Maxwell, who was released by Punjab Kings (formerly Kings XI Punjab), has set his eyes on Virat's Royal Challengers Bangalore as he can play alongside his "idol" AB de Villiers. "That'll be awesome. AB [is] one of my idols and one of the guys I've always tried to watch the way he goes about [things]," Maxwell was quoted as saying by ESPNCricinfo. "It'll be awesome to work with him, and he's always been really helpful to me along the journey. Whenever I've caught up with him, he's been brilliant. So to be able to work with him first hand will be pretty cool." Former Proteas batsman De Villiers has been a part of the Royal Challengers since 2011. The prolific batsman has scored 4178 runs from 141 matches. RCB skipper Virat Kohli and AB De Villiers are often considered as one of the IPL's most dangerous batting duo and Maxwell's inclusion could bolster the attack for the Challengers. "I get along with Virat pretty well. It'll be certainly nice to work under Virat and will certainly enjoy batting with him - that's for sure," Maxwell added. IPL 2021 Auctions: 292 players have been shortlisted to go under auction for the upcoming Indian Premier League. These players have been picked from the initial list of 1,114 cricketers. The auction for IPL 2021 will be held on February 18 in Chennai.

'That'll be awesome': Glenn Maxwell looking forward to bat alongside his 'idol' in IPL

India's former batting coach Sanjay Bangar is set to join Indian Premier League franchise Royal Challengers Bangalore as a batting consultant. Team's Twitter confirmed the news.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/vvs-laxman-urges-for-more-commitment-from-ajinkya-rahane-and-rohit-sharma-362800" hreflang="en">VVS Laxman urges for more 'commitment' from Ajinkya Rahane and Rohit Sharma</a>

Banger will join Simon Katich as the head coach and Mike Hesson, serving as director of operations.

"We are delighted to welcome Sanjay Bangar to the RCB Family as a batting consultant for #IPL2021!," the franchise tweeted.

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We are delighted to welcome Sanjay Bangar to the RCB Family as a batting consultant for <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IPL2021?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IPL2021</a>! 🤩 
 
Welcome aboard, Coach! 🤜🏻🤛🏻<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PlayBold?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PlayBold</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WeAreChallengers?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WeAreChallengers</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NowARoyalChallenger?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NowARoyalChallenger</a> <a href="https://t.co/SWKLthSyXl">pic.twitter.com/SWKLthSyXl</a>
— Royal Challengers Bangalore (@RCBTweets) <a href="https://twitter.com/RCBTweets/status/1359384155553820672?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 10, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Sanjay Bangar became India's batting coach in 2014, he went on to hold the position till 2019 World Cup. He was succeeded by Vikram Rathour. Bangar has managed an IPL franchise in the past too. He joined Kings XI Punjab as an assistant coach before taking over as the head coach. &nbsp;

However, Bangar and KXIP went separate ways after the 2017 season. In 2020 IPL season, Bangar appeared in the commentary dugout during the matches analysing the shots played by the batsmen.&nbsp;

Virat's Royal Challengers Bangalore released 10 players ahead of the 2021 season. These players were Aaron Finch, Chris Morris, Isuru Udana, Moeen Ali, Pawan Negi, Gurkeerat Singh Mann, Shivam Dube, Dale Steyn, Parthiv Patel and Umesh Yadav.

The Banglore-based franchise will enter the IPL 2021 auctions with ₹35.7 crores left in their purse with 17 slots to fill (13 domestic and four overseas).&nbsp;

India's former batting coach Sanjay Bangar is set to join Indian Premier League franchise Royal Challengers Bangalore as a batting consultant. Team's Twitter confirmed the news.

India's former batting coach Sanjay Bangar is set to join Indian Premier League franchise Royal Challengers Bangalore as a batting consultant. Team's Twitter confirmed the news. ALSO READ: VVS Laxman urges for more 'commitment' from Ajinkya Rahane and Rohit Sharma Banger will join Simon Katich as the head coach and Mike Hesson, serving as director of operations. "We are delighted to welcome Sanjay Bangar to the RCB Family as a batting consultant for #IPL2021!," the franchise tweeted. We are delighted to welcome Sanjay Bangar to the RCB Family as a batting consultant for #IPL2021! 🤩 Welcome aboard, Coach! 🤜🏻🤛🏻#PlayBold #WeAreChallengers #NowARoyalChallenger pic.twitter.com/SWKLthSyXl — Royal Challengers Bangalore (@RCBTweets) February 10, 2021 × Sanjay Bangar became India's batting coach in 2014, he went on to hold the position till 2019 World Cup. He was succeeded by Vikram Rathour. Bangar has managed an IPL franchise in the past too. He joined Kings XI Punjab as an assistant coach before taking over as the head coach. However, Bangar and KXIP went separate ways after the 2017 season. In 2020 IPL season, Bangar appeared in the commentary dugout during the matches analysing the shots played by the batsmen. Virat's Royal Challengers Bangalore released 10 players ahead of the 2021 season. These players were Aaron Finch, Chris Morris, Isuru Udana, Moeen Ali, Pawan Negi, Gurkeerat Singh Mann, Shivam Dube, Dale Steyn, Parthiv Patel and Umesh Yadav. The Banglore-based franchise will enter the IPL 2021 auctions with ₹35.7 crores left in their purse with 17 slots to fill (13 domestic and four overseas).

IPL: Former Indian batting coach Sanjay Bangar joins Royal Challengers Bangalore as batting consultant

Royal Challengers Bangalore had a shaky IPL 2020 season. They began on a high by being among the top four teams in the title race, but they ran out steam in the second half of the tournament and ended up losing five matches in a row, including the eliminator clash against Sunrisers Hyderabad.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/eight-years-is-long-time-gautam-gambhir-wants-rcb-to-remove-virat-kohli-as-skipper-341364">'Eight years is long time': Gautam Gambhir wants RCB to remove Virat Kohli as skipper</a>

However, the franchise was surprised with their debutant Devdutt Padikkal. The 20-year-old batsman impressed fans with his Yuvi-like batting style. In his debut season, Padikkal became the leading run-scorer for RCB with 473 runs in 15 games. He went on to break Shreyas Iyer's record of scoring most runs in a debut season and also won the Emerging Player of the Season award.&nbsp;

While speaking to reporters, Padikkal revealed Kohli's advice that will help him improve in future.&nbsp;

"There’s a long way to go for me and there’s so much I have to improve upon. It’s just the beginning. Virat helped me along the way in terms of how to build innings. He asked me to continue to work hard and not let success affect me. Keep pushing ahead and keep improving is what he told me, and that’s what I am going to do," Padikkal told India Today.

"It’s important one should continue to enjoy the game and not get caught in thoughts regarding policy and playing for the country because that’s going to happen when the time is right.

"I have learnt a lot with so many senior players around. It has changed my mindset as to how to deal with a lot of situations. They (senior players) keep themselves stable throughout the season regardless of how the team is performing and would focus on the process and not on the result."

Royal Challengers Bangalore had a shaky IPL 2020 season. They began on a high by being among the top four teams in the title race, but they ran out steam in the second half of the tournament and ended up losing five matches in a row, including the eliminator clash against Sunrisers Hyderabad.

Royal Challengers Bangalore had a shaky IPL 2020 season. They began on a high by being among the top four teams in the title race, but they ran out steam in the second half of the tournament and ended up losing five matches in a row, including the eliminator clash against Sunrisers Hyderabad. Also read: 'Eight years is long time': Gautam Gambhir wants RCB to remove Virat Kohli as skipper However, the franchise was surprised with their debutant Devdutt Padikkal. The 20-year-old batsman impressed fans with his Yuvi-like batting style. In his debut season, Padikkal became the leading run-scorer for RCB with 473 runs in 15 games. He went on to break Shreyas Iyer's record of scoring most runs in a debut season and also won the Emerging Player of the Season award. While speaking to reporters, Padikkal revealed Kohli's advice that will help him improve in future. "There’s a long way to go for me and there’s so much I have to improve upon. It’s just the beginning. Virat helped me along the way in terms of how to build innings. He asked me to continue to work hard and not let success affect me. Keep pushing ahead and keep improving is what he told me, and that’s what I am going to do," Padikkal told India Today. "It’s important one should continue to enjoy the game and not get caught in thoughts regarding policy and playing for the country because that’s going to happen when the time is right. "I have learnt a lot with so many senior players around. It has changed my mindset as to how to deal with a lot of situations. They (senior players) keep themselves stable throughout the season regardless of how the team is performing and would focus on the process and not on the result."

'Virat helped me along the way': Devdutt Padikkal reveals RCB skipper's special advice

Royal Challengers Bangalore were the frontrunners in this year's IPL and were considered a lethal squad in the tournament. However, the scenario changed in the latter stage of the league.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/royal-challengers-bangalore-look-to-tweak-team-waiting-for-ipl-2021-auction-341447" hreflang="en">Royal Challengers Bangalore look to tweak team, waiting for IPL 2021</a>

Royal Challengers barely, but made it into the playoffs after losing four consecutive matches. The streak was extended after they were knocked out by SRH in the Eliminator. Their batting lineup crumbled towards the business end of the tournament.

Despite Virat Kohli, AB de Villiers, RCB's batting order were out of steam in these matches. Former India captain and legendary batsman Sunil Gavaskar think that the Royal Challengers must look for a player who can play the role of the finisher. According to Gavaskar, Shivam Dube can fit into that role.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/eight-years-is-long-time-gautam-gambhir-wants-rcb-to-remove-virat-kohli-as-skipper-341364" hreflang="en">'Eight years is long time': Gambhir wants RCB to remove Kohli as skipper</a>

"I think where they need to do a little bit of thinking is to give Shivam Dube a proper role. Dube has gone down and Sundar has gone up and down. If he can be given a role and told to go out there and thrash the ball, it might help him. He is confused now. If they can get a solid player at No. 5, then it will ease the pressure of de Villiers and Virat," remarked Gavaskar on Star Sports.

Gavaskar commented on Virat Kohli's form this season and said that the RCB skipper couldn’t match high standards he has set with the bat. Kohli scored 450 runs this season with a strike rate of 121.35.&nbsp;

"Looking at the high standards that he sets for himself, maybe he would say he didn’t quite match that and that’s one of the reasons why RCB weren’t able to go through. Because when he scores those big runs along with AB de Villiers, they invariably have big scores," Gavaskar said on Star Sports.

"If anything, their bowling has always been their weak point. Even now, in this particular team, they have got an Aaron Finch, who is a fine T20 player, young Devdutt Padikkal, who began well and then Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers, then you have really got it made," he added.

Royal Challengers Bangalore were the frontrunners in this year's IPL and were considered a lethal squad in the tournament. However, the scenario changed in the latter stage of the league.

Royal Challengers Bangalore were the frontrunners in this year's IPL and were considered a lethal squad in the tournament. However, the scenario changed in the latter stage of the league. Also read: Royal Challengers Bangalore look to tweak team, waiting for IPL 2021 Royal Challengers barely, but made it into the playoffs after losing four consecutive matches. The streak was extended after they were knocked out by SRH in the Eliminator. Their batting lineup crumbled towards the business end of the tournament. Despite Virat Kohli, AB de Villiers, RCB's batting order were out of steam in these matches. Former India captain and legendary batsman Sunil Gavaskar think that the Royal Challengers must look for a player who can play the role of the finisher. According to Gavaskar, Shivam Dube can fit into that role. Also read: 'Eight years is long time': Gambhir wants RCB to remove Kohli as skipper "I think where they need to do a little bit of thinking is to give Shivam Dube a proper role. Dube has gone down and Sundar has gone up and down. If he can be given a role and told to go out there and thrash the ball, it might help him. He is confused now. If they can get a solid player at No. 5, then it will ease the pressure of de Villiers and Virat," remarked Gavaskar on Star Sports. Gavaskar commented on Virat Kohli's form this season and said that the RCB skipper couldn’t match high standards he has set with the bat. Kohli scored 450 runs this season with a strike rate of 121.35. "Looking at the high standards that he sets for himself, maybe he would say he didn’t quite match that and that’s one of the reasons why RCB weren’t able to go through. Because when he scores those big runs along with AB de Villiers, they invariably have big scores," Gavaskar said on Star Sports. "If anything, their bowling has always been their weak point. Even now, in this particular team, they have got an Aaron Finch, who is a fine T20 player, young Devdutt Padikkal, who began well and then Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers, then you have really got it made," he added.

Sunil Gavaskar suggests this player could be 'perfect finisher' for RCB

Royal Challengers Bangalore ran out steam in the second half of the tournament and ended up losing five matches in a row, including the eliminator clash against Sunrisers Hyderabad.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2020-kane-williamson-jason-holder-star-as-srh-defeat-rcb-in-eliminator-341251">IPL 2020: Kane Williamson, Jason Holder star as SRH defeat RCB in Eliminator</a>

RCB has not won a single IPL title in the last 13 years. Indian skipper Virat Kohli led the side for 8 years. Kohli has been criticised by many as he failed to deliver for the franchise.&nbsp;

Former India batsman and two-time IPL winning captain Gautam Gambhir held Kohli accountable for the loss against SRH. In an interview with ESPNcricinfo, he was asked if he would change the captaincy, to which Gambhir replied: "100%, because the problem is about accountability. Eight years into the tournament [without a trophy], eight years is a long time. Tell me any other captain…forget about captain, tell me any other player who would have got eight years and wouldn’t have won the title and would have still continued with it. So it has to be accountability. A captain needs to take accountability."

"It’s not only about one year, it’s not only about this. I have nothing against Virat Kohli but somewhere down the line, he needs to put his hand up and say, ‘yes, I am responsible. I am accountable’."

Gambhir went on to compare Kohli's situation with other captains in the past, who were removed as they failed to win the coveted cup. He said: "Eight years is a long, long time. Look at what happened to R Ashwin. Two years of captaincy [for the Kings XI Punjab], he couldn’t deliver and he was removed. We talk about MS Dhoni, we talk about Rohit Sharma, we talk about Virat Kohli...not at all. Dhoni has won three [IPL] titles, Rohit Sharma has won four titles, and that’s the reason they’ve captained for such a long time because they’ve delivered. I’m sure if Rohit Sharma wouldn’t have delivered for eight years, he would have been removed as well. There should not be different yardsticks for different people."

"The problem and the accountability starts from the top, not from the management nor the support staff, but from the leader. You’re the leader, you’re the captain. When you get the credit, you should take the criticism as well."

Royal Challengers Bangalore ran out steam in the second half of the tournament and ended up losing five matches in a row, including the eliminator clash against Sunrisers Hyderabad.

Royal Challengers Bangalore ran out steam in the second half of the tournament and ended up losing five matches in a row, including the eliminator clash against Sunrisers Hyderabad. Also read: IPL 2020: Kane Williamson, Jason Holder star as SRH defeat RCB in Eliminator RCB has not won a single IPL title in the last 13 years. Indian skipper Virat Kohli led the side for 8 years. Kohli has been criticised by many as he failed to deliver for the franchise. Former India batsman and two-time IPL winning captain Gautam Gambhir held Kohli accountable for the loss against SRH. In an interview with ESPNcricinfo, he was asked if he would change the captaincy, to which Gambhir replied: "100%, because the problem is about accountability. Eight years into the tournament [without a trophy], eight years is a long time. Tell me any other captain…forget about captain, tell me any other player who would have got eight years and wouldn’t have won the title and would have still continued with it. So it has to be accountability. A captain needs to take accountability." "It’s not only about one year, it’s not only about this. I have nothing against Virat Kohli but somewhere down the line, he needs to put his hand up and say, ‘yes, I am responsible. I am accountable’." Gambhir went on to compare Kohli's situation with other captains in the past, who were removed as they failed to win the coveted cup. He said: "Eight years is a long, long time. Look at what happened to R Ashwin. Two years of captaincy [for the Kings XI Punjab], he couldn’t deliver and he was removed. We talk about MS Dhoni, we talk about Rohit Sharma, we talk about Virat Kohli...not at all. Dhoni has won three [IPL] titles, Rohit Sharma has won four titles, and that’s the reason they’ve captained for such a long time because they’ve delivered. I’m sure if Rohit Sharma wouldn’t have delivered for eight years, he would have been removed as well. There should not be different yardsticks for different people." "The problem and the accountability starts from the top, not from the management nor the support staff, but from the leader. You’re the leader, you’re the captain. When you get the credit, you should take the criticism as well."

'Eight years is long time': Gautam Gambhir wants RCB to remove Virat Kohli as skipper