Royal Challengers Bangalore, who finished fourth in the Indian Premier League (IPL), are hoping to grow the Indian core group of players, especially in the middle order, as they have found their batting was over-reliant on overseas players. 
 
Speaking to the media, RCB`s Director of Cricket Operations, Mike Hesson, said that they will first confirm the facts about the scale of the auction and then strategise. 
 
"The core group of players is good. What we do need is a little bit of tweaking, there`s no doubt about that. We talk about the middle order. (It) can`t always be fixed either by just overseas players and we have to look how we might have to do that rather than unnecessarily strengthen one part of the line-up and leave the other exposed," said Hesson, hinting that they will look to bring in Indian talent. 
 
"That is why we are trying to grow the Indian core group of players," he said. 
 
The New Zealander added that the development of Washington Sundar and Devdutt Padikkal is a part of the project. 
 
RCB have already held the initial discussion regarding the team`s development and they are first hoping to get clear information on the auction and when it will take place. 
 
"That [change in the squad] is certainly going to happen in the next week. We have already had initials discussions. We will let the dust settled a bit, we will get a little bit of ideas firstly, and then we need to find the facts whether it is a small auction or a big auction but the core group of players is good," the New Zealander said.

Royal Challengers Bangalore, who finished fourth in the Indian Premier League (IPL), are hoping to grow the Indian core group of players, especially in the middle order, as they have found their batting was over-reliant on overseas players.

Royal Challengers Bangalore, who finished fourth in the Indian Premier League (IPL), are hoping to grow the Indian core group of players, especially in the middle order, as they have found their batting was over-reliant on overseas players. Speaking to the media, RCB`s Director of Cricket Operations, Mike Hesson, said that they will first confirm the facts about the scale of the auction and then strategise. "The core group of players is good. What we do need is a little bit of tweaking, there`s no doubt about that. We talk about the middle order. (It) can`t always be fixed either by just overseas players and we have to look how we might have to do that rather than unnecessarily strengthen one part of the line-up and leave the other exposed," said Hesson, hinting that they will look to bring in Indian talent. "That is why we are trying to grow the Indian core group of players," he said. The New Zealander added that the development of Washington Sundar and Devdutt Padikkal is a part of the project. RCB have already held the initial discussion regarding the team`s development and they are first hoping to get clear information on the auction and when it will take place. "That [change in the squad] is certainly going to happen in the next week. We have already had initials discussions. We will let the dust settled a bit, we will get a little bit of ideas firstly, and then we need to find the facts whether it is a small auction or a big auction but the core group of players is good," the New Zealander said.

Royal Challengers Bangalore look to tweak team, waiting for IPL 2021 auction

Sunrisers Hyderabad on Friday defeated Royal Challengers Bangalore by six wickets at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi in what was the Eliminator of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/ipl">Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020</a>. After a terrific bowling performance by the SRH bowlers, Kane Williamson masterclass with the willow helped SRH seal a place in the Qualifier 2 of IPL 2020 where they will face Delhi Capitals on Sunday.

Batting first, Royal Challengers Bangalore opted to go with Virat Kohli and Devdutt Padikkal as openers in the crucial match. However, the move backfired as Kohli was sent packing by Jason Holder for just one run whereas Padikkal, who has been terrific for RCB throughout the season, was dismissed for six.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2020-jasprit-bumrah-is-the-best-t20-fast-bowler-in-the-world-says-shane-bond-341165" hreflang="en">IPL 2020: Jasprit Bumrah is the 'best T20 fast bowler in the world', says Bond</a>

Aaron Finch and AB de Villiers stuck around for a bit but it was Finch who lost his wicket first and walked back to the hut for 32 off 30. Moeen Ali ran himself out on a free-hit, a rare instance in the world of cricket, for a golden duck.

Shivam Dube (8), Washington Sundar (5) also failed to live up to the expectations with the bat in the big game. However, a handy 10-run knock by Mohammed Siraj and nine runs by Navdeep Saini helped Royal Challengers Bangalore to post 131/7 in 20 overs.

Chasing 132, Sunrisers Hyderabad got off to a horror start as opener Shreevats Goswami was dismissed for a duck. But it was David Warner and Manish Pandey, who stabilized the chase for SRH. Warner was given marching orders by the third umpire in what was a controversial call for caught-behind. Pandey also edged one to AB de Villiers to depart for 24.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/rohit-sharma-couldve-been-selected-for-australia-tour-virender-sehwag-baffled-over-hitmans-injury-case-341122" hreflang="en">Virender Sehwag baffled over Rohit Sharma's injury case</a>

Kane Williamson hung around to smoke some lusty blows while batting sensibly with Jason Holder as the duo dragged SRH close to the finish line before unleashing their stroke-play to help Hyderabad win the match by 6 wickets.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Sunrisers Hyderabad on Friday defeated Royal Challengers Bangalore by six wickets at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi in what was the Eliminator of Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020.

Sunrisers Hyderabad on Friday defeated Royal Challengers Bangalore by six wickets at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi in what was the Eliminator of Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020. After a terrific bowling performance by the SRH bowlers, Kane Williamson masterclass with the willow helped SRH seal a place in the Qualifier 2 of IPL 2020 where they will face Delhi Capitals on Sunday. Batting first, Royal Challengers Bangalore opted to go with Virat Kohli and Devdutt Padikkal as openers in the crucial match. However, the move backfired as Kohli was sent packing by Jason Holder for just one run whereas Padikkal, who has been terrific for RCB throughout the season, was dismissed for six. ALSO READ: IPL 2020: Jasprit Bumrah is the 'best T20 fast bowler in the world', says Bond Aaron Finch and AB de Villiers stuck around for a bit but it was Finch who lost his wicket first and walked back to the hut for 32 off 30. Moeen Ali ran himself out on a free-hit, a rare instance in the world of cricket, for a golden duck. Shivam Dube (8), Washington Sundar (5) also failed to live up to the expectations with the bat in the big game. However, a handy 10-run knock by Mohammed Siraj and nine runs by Navdeep Saini helped Royal Challengers Bangalore to post 131/7 in 20 overs. Chasing 132, Sunrisers Hyderabad got off to a horror start as opener Shreevats Goswami was dismissed for a duck. But it was David Warner and Manish Pandey, who stabilized the chase for SRH. Warner was given marching orders by the third umpire in what was a controversial call for caught-behind. Pandey also edged one to AB de Villiers to depart for 24. ALSO READ: Virender Sehwag baffled over Rohit Sharma's injury case Kane Williamson hung around to smoke some lusty blows while batting sensibly with Jason Holder as the duo dragged SRH close to the finish line before unleashing their stroke-play to help Hyderabad win the match by 6 wickets.

IPL 2020: Kane Williamson, Jason Holder star as SRH defeat RCB in Eliminator

Almost all the major sporting events are being held behind closed doors owing to the COVID-19 pandemic. While crowds aren’t allowed anywhere inside the stadiums, players have to stay put inside bio-secure bubbles during the course of the tournament while maintaining the safety protocols and strict guidelines to curb the spread of the dreaded virus.&nbsp;

Opening about the bio-secure bubble and other challenges faced by the players and staff during the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/ipl">Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020</a>, Royal Challengers Bangalore captain Virat Kohli has said that organisers need to start thinking about the length of a tournament or series as staying inside bio-bubble for long can be mentally taxing for everyone associated with the tournament/series.&nbsp;

Kohli further said that the repetition of daily routine inside the bubble can become challenging after a certain time if the tournament/series goes on for a long period.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/rohit-sharma-couldve-been-selected-for-australia-tour-virender-sehwag-baffled-over-hitmans-injury-case-341122" hreflang="en">Virender Sehwag baffled over Rohit Sharma's injury case</a>

<h2>Virat Kohli: Bio-bubble life is repetitive&nbsp;</h2>

"It's repetitive, it's not as tough when the group of guys is amazing, which we have. Everyone part of that bio-bubble is really nice, the vibe has been so good this season. That's precisely why we've enjoyed playing together, just enjoyed our time in the bio-bubble as well, but it does get difficult at times because it is repetitive," Kohli told RCB.

"These things will have to be considered like what length of the tournament and series one is going to play and what impact the players are going to have mentally of staying in a similar environment for 80 days and not getting to do anything different or have space to just go and see family or small things like that. These things have to be seriously thought about. At the end of the day, you want the players to be in the best state mentally and physically. I think mentally, it can be taxing if this continues for this longer period at a very consistent rate."

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2020-sunrisers-hyderabad-take-on-royal-challengers-bangalore-in-the-eliminator-clash-341106">IPL 2020: Sunrisers take on Royal Challengers in the Eliminator clash</a>

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The likes of Kohli, David Warner, Steve Smith, Sam Curran, Shreyas Iyer among others have opened up about the challengers of staying inside a bio-secure bubble. Even many players like Jofra Archer and AB de Villiers have pulled out of Big Bash League as they want to spend time with their families.&nbsp;

For Indian players, part of IPL 2020, who are also selected for the Australian tour, they will have to stay in bio-bubble during the course of the tour in Down Under after flying directly to Australia from the UAE.

India are set to play four Tests, three ODIs and as many T20Is from November 27 to January 19 2020/21.&nbsp;

Almost all the major sporting events are being held behind closed doors owing to the COVID-19 pandemic. While crowds aren’t allowed anywhere inside the stadiums, players have to stay put inside bio-secure bubbles during the course of the tournament while maintaining the safety protocols and strict guidelines to curb the spread of the dreaded virus.

Almost all the major sporting events are being held behind closed doors owing to the COVID-19 pandemic. While crowds aren’t allowed anywhere inside the stadiums, players have to stay put inside bio-secure bubbles during the course of the tournament while maintaining the safety protocols and strict guidelines to curb the spread of the dreaded virus. Opening about the bio-secure bubble and other challenges faced by the players and staff during the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020, Royal Challengers Bangalore captain Virat Kohli has said that organisers need to start thinking about the length of a tournament or series as staying inside bio-bubble for long can be mentally taxing for everyone associated with the tournament/series. Kohli further said that the repetition of daily routine inside the bubble can become challenging after a certain time if the tournament/series goes on for a long period. ALSO READ: Virender Sehwag baffled over Rohit Sharma's injury case Virat Kohli: Bio-bubble life is repetitive "It's repetitive, it's not as tough when the group of guys is amazing, which we have. Everyone part of that bio-bubble is really nice, the vibe has been so good this season. That's precisely why we've enjoyed playing together, just enjoyed our time in the bio-bubble as well, but it does get difficult at times because it is repetitive," Kohli told RCB. "These things will have to be considered like what length of the tournament and series one is going to play and what impact the players are going to have mentally of staying in a similar environment for 80 days and not getting to do anything different or have space to just go and see family or small things like that. These things have to be seriously thought about. At the end of the day, you want the players to be in the best state mentally and physically. I think mentally, it can be taxing if this continues for this longer period at a very consistent rate." ALSO READ: IPL 2020: Sunrisers take on Royal Challengers in the Eliminator clash × The likes of Kohli, David Warner, Steve Smith, Sam Curran, Shreyas Iyer among others have opened up about the challengers of staying inside a bio-secure bubble. Even many players like Jofra Archer and AB de Villiers have pulled out of Big Bash League as they want to spend time with their families. For Indian players, part of IPL 2020, who are also selected for the Australian tour, they will have to stay in bio-bubble during the course of the tour in Down Under after flying directly to Australia from the UAE. India are set to play four Tests, three ODIs and as many T20Is from November 27 to January 19 2020/21.

Virat Kohli: Bio-bubble can be mentally taxing, length of tournaments need to be considered

The Indian Premier League playoffs begin Thursday in the UAE with last year's champions Mumbai as favourites and Virat Kohli's Royal Challengers Bangalore among the teams looking to cause an upset.

Surprise package the Delhi Capitals, who like Bangalore are aiming for a first title, will take on the Mumbai Indians in the first qualifier on Thursday with a place in the November 10 final at stake.

The losers of that match will get another crack at qualifying on Sunday against either Kohli's Bangalore or Sunrisers Hyderabad, who clash on Friday in an eliminator.

AFP Sport looks at the strengths and weaknesses of the four teams still standing in the world's richest Twenty20 league:

<h2>- Mumbai Indians -</h2>

Rohit Sharma's four-time champions underlined their status as tournament favourites by being the first team to qualify for the playoffs as they topped the standings with nine wins in 14 games.&nbsp;

South African wicketkeeper-batsman Quinton de Kock has led the batting with 443 runs while getting key support from Suryakumar Yadav, Ishan Kishan and Kieron Pollard.

Pace bowlers Trent Boult and Jasprit Bumrah battered the opposition with a combined 43 wickets.&nbsp;

The 2019 champions had already qualified top of the table before they were hammered by Sunrisers Hyderabad on Tuesday and, despite fitness doubts over Sharma, are targeting back-to-back titles for the first time.

<h2>- Delhi Capitals -</h2>

The Ricky Ponting-coached Capitals made a sensational start, winning five of their first six games, before losing four in a row but then beating Bangalore to reach the playoffs.

India opener Shikhar Dhawan is the key batsman and this year became the first player to score two consecutive IPL centuries. But Rishabh Pant, India's new batting hope, has been misfiring.

The South African pace duo of Anrich Nortje and Kagiso Rabada have been impressive with Nortje bowling the fastest ever IPL delivery, a 97 miles per hour (156 kph) thunderbolt, and Rabada leading the IPL wicket-takers with 25 victims.&nbsp;

<h2>- Sunrisers Hyderabad -</h2>

Skipper David Warner came into his own with an unbeaten 85 off 58 balls to take Hyderabad into the playoffs on Tuesday.

The 2016 IPL winners benefited from the return of wicketkeeper-batsman Wriddhiman Saha, who hit two half-centuries in three successive wins to help them to third in the standings.

With West Indies all-rounder Jason Holder contributing and the deadly spin of Rashid Khan, who has taken 19 wickets, Warner will be hoping for the same result in this week's eliminator as in the 2016 final when Hyderabad beat Bangalore to lift the trophy.

<h2>- Royal Challengers Bangalore -</h2>

India captain Virat Kohli has never won an IPL title and it hurts. RCB finished bottom of the eight-team table last year, and after seven wins and seven defeats they scraped into the playoffs on run rate after losing their final match to Hyderabad.

Kohli leads a strong batting line-up, combining with young opener Devdutt Padikkal for 932 runs while South African veteran AB de Villiers has been the go-to man in crunch situations with an overall strike rate of 163.

Spinners Yuzvendra Chahal and Washington Sundar will be key with their ability to choke an opposition team's run-flow while claiming wickets. Kohli insists his team are worth their place, but said he needs them to be "more brave" when chasing runs.

The Indian Premier League playoffs begin Thursday in the UAE with last year's champions Mumbai as favourites and Virat Kohli's Royal Challengers Bangalore among the teams looking to cause an upset.

The Indian Premier League playoffs begin Thursday in the UAE with last year's champions Mumbai as favourites and Virat Kohli's Royal Challengers Bangalore among the teams looking to cause an upset. Surprise package the Delhi Capitals, who like Bangalore are aiming for a first title, will take on the Mumbai Indians in the first qualifier on Thursday with a place in the November 10 final at stake. The losers of that match will get another crack at qualifying on Sunday against either Kohli's Bangalore or Sunrisers Hyderabad, who clash on Friday in an eliminator. AFP Sport looks at the strengths and weaknesses of the four teams still standing in the world's richest Twenty20 league: - Mumbai Indians - Rohit Sharma's four-time champions underlined their status as tournament favourites by being the first team to qualify for the playoffs as they topped the standings with nine wins in 14 games. South African wicketkeeper-batsman Quinton de Kock has led the batting with 443 runs while getting key support from Suryakumar Yadav, Ishan Kishan and Kieron Pollard. Pace bowlers Trent Boult and Jasprit Bumrah battered the opposition with a combined 43 wickets. The 2019 champions had already qualified top of the table before they were hammered by Sunrisers Hyderabad on Tuesday and, despite fitness doubts over Sharma, are targeting back-to-back titles for the first time. - Delhi Capitals - The Ricky Ponting-coached Capitals made a sensational start, winning five of their first six games, before losing four in a row but then beating Bangalore to reach the playoffs. India opener Shikhar Dhawan is the key batsman and this year became the first player to score two consecutive IPL centuries. But Rishabh Pant, India's new batting hope, has been misfiring. The South African pace duo of Anrich Nortje and Kagiso Rabada have been impressive with Nortje bowling the fastest ever IPL delivery, a 97 miles per hour (156 kph) thunderbolt, and Rabada leading the IPL wicket-takers with 25 victims. - Sunrisers Hyderabad - Skipper David Warner came into his own with an unbeaten 85 off 58 balls to take Hyderabad into the playoffs on Tuesday. The 2016 IPL winners benefited from the return of wicketkeeper-batsman Wriddhiman Saha, who hit two half-centuries in three successive wins to help them to third in the standings. With West Indies all-rounder Jason Holder contributing and the deadly spin of Rashid Khan, who has taken 19 wickets, Warner will be hoping for the same result in this week's eliminator as in the 2016 final when Hyderabad beat Bangalore to lift the trophy. - Royal Challengers Bangalore - India captain Virat Kohli has never won an IPL title and it hurts. RCB finished bottom of the eight-team table last year, and after seven wins and seven defeats they scraped into the playoffs on run rate after losing their final match to Hyderabad. Kohli leads a strong batting line-up, combining with young opener Devdutt Padikkal for 932 runs while South African veteran AB de Villiers has been the go-to man in crunch situations with an overall strike rate of 163. Spinners Yuzvendra Chahal and Washington Sundar will be key with their ability to choke an opposition team's run-flow while claiming wickets. Kohli insists his team are worth their place, but said he needs them to be "more brave" when chasing runs.

IPL final four: Mumbai again, or can Kohli cause an upset?

Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) successfully secured a place in the playoffs of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/ipl">Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020</a> courtesy a better net run-rate than Kolkata Knight Riders. While RCB finished fourth in the league stage of IPL 2020, they will be heading into the knockouts on the back of four consecutive defeats.&nbsp;

RCB will now lock horns with Sunrisers Hyderabad in the Eliminator on Friday and ahead of the do-or-die match, RCB skipper Virat Kohli promised the fans that that his team will look to have more fun in the knockouts than they did in the league matches.&nbsp;

RCB took to social media platforms to share a video where captain Kohli, head coach Simon Katich among others were seen delivering pep-talk ahead of the playoffs.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2020-playoffs-qualifier-1-eliminator-schedule-dates-venues-and-more-340451" hreflang="en">IPL 2020 Playoffs: Qualifier 1, Eliminator - Schedule, dates, venues and more</a>

"I want all of us to be in a positive mindset. I promise you we will have more fun in this next week than we had in two and a half months,” said Kohli in the video shared by RCB.

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Bold Diaries: Pre-Playoffs Team Chat 
 
Coaches and senior players discuss the playoffs opportunity and urge the squad to be hungry and ready for the challenge.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PlayBold?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PlayBold</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IPL2020?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IPL2020</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WeAreChallengers?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WeAreChallengers</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Dream11IPL?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Dream11IPL</a> <a href="https://t.co/yq7MMJ6y79">pic.twitter.com/yq7MMJ6y79</a>
— Royal Challengers Bangalore (@RCBTweets) <a href="https://twitter.com/RCBTweets/status/1323829825342197760?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 4, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Whereas Katich congratulated the players for grabbing the playoffs spot but added that they have to look for the opportunities and grab them on Friday against SRH.

“Well done on a fantastic achievement of reaching the playoffs. It obviously requires a lot of hard work, so well done on that. The finish hasn’t been as planned but what’s done is done," said Katich.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2020-no-one-wants-to-face-mumbai-indians-says-shane-bond-ahead-of-mi-vs-dc-qualifier-1-340557">IPL 2020: No one wants to face Mumbai Indians, says Shane Bond</a>

“We can now look for the opportunity which comes up on Friday and grab that opportunity. The things that stand for me is that certain guys played according to their role in our last game. One obviously was Shahbaz [Ahmed]; he picked his first wicket in the IPL,” he added.

RCB are one of the three active teams to have never won the Indian Premier League despite being part of the tournament since 2008. The Kohli-led outfit will now have to win two matches on the bounce if they want to qualify to the final. 
&nbsp;

Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) successfully secured a place in the playoffs of Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 courtesy a better net run-rate than Kolkata Knight Riders.

Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) successfully secured a place in the playoffs of Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 courtesy a better net run-rate than Kolkata Knight Riders. While RCB finished fourth in the league stage of IPL 2020, they will be heading into the knockouts on the back of four consecutive defeats. RCB will now lock horns with Sunrisers Hyderabad in the Eliminator on Friday and ahead of the do-or-die match, RCB skipper Virat Kohli promised the fans that that his team will look to have more fun in the knockouts than they did in the league matches. RCB took to social media platforms to share a video where captain Kohli, head coach Simon Katich among others were seen delivering pep-talk ahead of the playoffs. ALSO READ: IPL 2020 Playoffs: Qualifier 1, Eliminator - Schedule, dates, venues and more "I want all of us to be in a positive mindset. I promise you we will have more fun in this next week than we had in two and a half months,” said Kohli in the video shared by RCB. Bold Diaries: Pre-Playoffs Team Chat Coaches and senior players discuss the playoffs opportunity and urge the squad to be hungry and ready for the challenge.#PlayBold #IPL2020 #WeAreChallengers #Dream11IPL pic.twitter.com/yq7MMJ6y79 — Royal Challengers Bangalore (@RCBTweets) November 4, 2020 × Whereas Katich congratulated the players for grabbing the playoffs spot but added that they have to look for the opportunities and grab them on Friday against SRH. “Well done on a fantastic achievement of reaching the playoffs. It obviously requires a lot of hard work, so well done on that. The finish hasn’t been as planned but what’s done is done," said Katich. ALSO READ: IPL 2020: No one wants to face Mumbai Indians, says Shane Bond “We can now look for the opportunity which comes up on Friday and grab that opportunity. The things that stand for me is that certain guys played according to their role in our last game. One obviously was Shahbaz [Ahmed]; he picked his first wicket in the IPL,” he added. RCB are one of the three active teams to have never won the Indian Premier League despite being part of the tournament since 2008. The Kohli-led outfit will now have to win two matches on the bounce if they want to qualify to the final.

IPL 2020: Will have more fun in playoffs than we had in last 2 months, says RCB's Virat Kohli

Delhi Capitals will take on Royal Challengers Bangalore in the 55th match of Indian Premier League at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi. Also read: 'Definitely not': MS Dhoni clears the air on his future with CSK in IPL It is a must-win match for both the teams to qualify for the playoffs.

Delhi Capitals will take on Royal Challengers Bangalore in the 55th match of Indian Premier League at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi. Also read: 'Definitely not': MS Dhoni clears the air on his future with CSK in IPL It is a must-win match for both the teams to qualify for the playoffs. Virat's RCB sit on the second position with seven wins and six losses. Their loss to Sunrisers Hyderabad dented their hopes to qualify for the playoffs. RCB displayed poor batting performance in the last match and will be hoping to work on it. Chris Morris has been good with the ball but not with the bat. AB de Villiers would need to come back in form for Royal Challengers to win this game. Probable XI: Devdutt Padikkal, Josh Philippe, Virat Kohli, AB de Villiers, Washington Sundar, Gurkeerat Singh/Shivam Dube, Chris Morris, Isuru Udana/Moeen Ali, Mohammad Siraj, Yuzvendra Chahal, Navdeep Saini Delhi Capitals has experienced a similar run. From being table-toppers to registering four consecutive matches. This is a must-win match for Delhi Capitals in-terms of NRR. Their batting performance against Mumbai Indians was poor. Prithvi Shaw's form has seen a massive drop. he has failed to play big innings in this IPL. This could be the match where he redeemed himself. Pant and Iyer have had a poor IPL season too. Probable XI: Shikhar Dhawan, Prithvi Shaw, Shreyas Iyer, Rishabh Pant, Marcus Stoinis, Shimron Hetmyer, Harshal Patel, Kagiso Rabada, Pravin Dubey/Axar Patel, R Ashwin, Anrich Nortje Squads: Royal Challengers Bangalore Squad: Josh Philippe, Devdutt Padikkal, Virat Kohli(c), AB de Villiers(w), Washington Sundar, Gurkeerat Singh Mann, Chris Morris, Isuru Udana, Mohammed Siraj, Navdeep Saini, Yuzvendra Chahal, Parthiv Patel, Dale Steyn, Aaron Finch, Umesh Yadav, Moeen Ali, Pawan Negi, Adam Zampa, Pavan Deshpande, Shivam Dube, Shahbaz Ahmed Delhi Capitals Squad: Prithvi Shaw, Shikhar Dhawan, Shreyas Iyer(c), Rishabh Pant(w), Marcus Stoinis, Shimron Hetmyer, Harshal Patel, Ravichandran Ashwin, Praveen Dubey, Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje, Ajinkya Rahane, Mohit Sharma, Axar Patel, Alex Carey, Avesh Khan, Sandeep Lamichhane, Keemo Paul, Tushar Deshpande, Daniel Sams, Lalit Yadav

IPL 2020: Virat's Royal Challengers Bangalore take on Shreyas' Delhi Capitals in a must-win clash

Sunrisers Hyderabad jump on the fourth position after beating Royal Challengers Bangalore by 5 wickets leaving Virat and Co. in a sticky position.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2020-ishan-steals-the-show-as-mumbai-indians-complete-dominating-win-against-delhi-capitals-339282">Mumbai Indians complete dominating win against Delhi Capitals</a>

RCB need a desperate win against DC to qualify for the play-offs as their NRR dropped below KXIP's.&nbsp;

Sunrisers decision to bowl first paid-off as SRH bowlers managed to restrict RCB to 120 by the end of 20 overs. Sandeep Sharma and Jason Holder scalped two wickets apiece including Virat Kohli and Devdutt Padikkal's. However, the best bowler for SRH was Natarajan who choked the RCB innings after conceding just 11 runs and getting Sundar's wicket.

SRH tread very carefully this time as they did not want to repeat the same mistake as their previous match against KXIP. Despite David Warner's early dismissal, a 50-run partnership between Manish Pandey and Wriddhiman Saha landed a fatal blow to RCB's hopes. Jason Holder's cameo (26 runs off 10 balls) helped Sunrisers get over the line. SRH chased the target with 23 balls to spare.&nbsp;

Sandeep Sharma was adjudged the Player of the Match for his bowling performance.&nbsp;

Sunrisers Hyderabad jump on the fourth position after beating Royal Challengers Bangalore by 5 wickets leaving Virat and Co. in a sticky position. Also read: Mumbai Indians complete dominating win against Delhi Capitals RCB need a desperate win against DC to qualify for the play-offs as their NRR dropped below KXIP's.

Sunrisers Hyderabad jump on the fourth position after beating Royal Challengers Bangalore by 5 wickets leaving Virat and Co. in a sticky position. Also read: Mumbai Indians complete dominating win against Delhi Capitals RCB need a desperate win against DC to qualify for the play-offs as their NRR dropped below KXIP's. Sunrisers decision to bowl first paid-off as SRH bowlers managed to restrict RCB to 120 by the end of 20 overs. Sandeep Sharma and Jason Holder scalped two wickets apiece including Virat Kohli and Devdutt Padikkal's. However, the best bowler for SRH was Natarajan who choked the RCB innings after conceding just 11 runs and getting Sundar's wicket. SRH tread very carefully this time as they did not want to repeat the same mistake as their previous match against KXIP. Despite David Warner's early dismissal, a 50-run partnership between Manish Pandey and Wriddhiman Saha landed a fatal blow to RCB's hopes. Jason Holder's cameo (26 runs off 10 balls) helped Sunrisers get over the line. SRH chased the target with 23 balls to spare. Sandeep Sharma was adjudged the Player of the Match for his bowling performance.

IPL 2020: Sunrisers Hyderabad climb to fourth position after thrashing Royal Challengers Bangalore by 5 wickets

Royal Challengers Bangalore take on Sunrisers Hyderabad in the 52nd match of IPL 2020 at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium. It will be a crucial clash to determine the play-off positions in the league.

Royal Challengers Bangalore take on Sunrisers Hyderabad in the 52nd match of IPL 2020 at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium. It will be a crucial clash to determine the play-off positions in the league. Also read: IPL 2020: Rajasthan Royals peaking at the right time, reckons captain Steve Smith Royal Challengers Bangalore have had a good run in this year's Indian Premier League. RCB sit on the second spot in the points table and are just one win away from a confirmed play-off spot. Virat and Co. were beaten by Mumbai Indians recently and will want to get back to winning ways. This a must-win fixture for the Sunrisers to stay in the race for play-offs. If they win this match, they will dethrone Punjab from the fourth position and will be on the fourth spot due to better NRR. Sunrisers have had an inconsistent run in this year's IPL. They are second-last in the points table with 5 wins and 7 losses. Probable XI: RCB: Devdutt Padikkal, Joshua Philippe, Virat Kohli (c), AB de Villiers (wk), Gurkeerat Mann, Washington Sundar, Chris Morris, Isuru Udana/Adam Zampa, Shahbaz Ahmed/Navdeep Saini/Umesh Yadav, Mohammed Siraj, Yuzvendra Chahal SRH: David Warner (c), Wriddhiman Saha (wk), Manish Pandey, Kane Williamson, Abdul Samad, Vijay Shankar/Abhishek Sharma, Jason Holder, Rashid Khan, Sandeep Sharma, Shahbaz Nadeem/Khaleel Ahmed, T. Natarajan

IPL 2020: David Warner's Sunrisers take on Virat Kohli's Royal Challengers for a playoff spot

Mumbai Indians' Suryakumar Yadav became a talking point on social media after his sensational knock against RCB, shortly after being excluded from India's squad for the tour of Australia.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/lets-talk-about-suryakumar-yadav-338801" hreflang="en">Let's talk about Suryakumar Yadav</a>

During the match, Kohli and Yadav were involved in a stare-off. This happened during the 13th over when Yadav drove the ball towards the cover where Kohli stopped the ball and gave a long stare to the batsman. Suryakumar did not hold back and stared back himself while remaining unmoved. However, no words were exchanged between the two.&nbsp;

Kohli came near Yadav and stared at him for 15 seconds but Yadav said nothing and stood his ground while looking back at him. Kohli's behaviour earned him criticism on social media. Many netizens felt that Kohli's actions left a bad taste.&nbsp;

Yadav's team Mumbai Indians took to Twitter to post a cheeky tweet on the incident. It said: "He came, He saw stared, He conquered."

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
☀️ He came 
👀 He s̶a̶w̶ stared 
💪🏻 He conquered<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/OneFamily?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#OneFamily</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MumbaiIndians?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MumbaiIndians</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MI?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MI</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Dream11IPL?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Dream11IPL</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MIvRCB?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MIvRCB</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/surya_14kumar?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@surya_14kumar</a> <a href="https://t.co/1D8oq3Tkp4">pic.twitter.com/1D8oq3Tkp4</a>
— Mumbai Indians (@mipaltan) <a href="https://twitter.com/mipaltan/status/1321769507002621952?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 29, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
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In IPL 2018, Suryakumar Yadav smashed 512 runs at an average of 36 and strike-rate of 133.3. In IPL 2019, he scored 424 runs in 16 matches at an average of 32.61 and strike-rate of 130.86. So far in IPL 2020, he has hammered 362 runs in 12 matches at an average of 40.22 and strike-rate of 155.36. &nbsp;Despite his good stats, Yadav was omitted from India squad. It angered many netizens and questioned the selectors' choice.&nbsp;

Mumbai Indians' Suryakumar Yadav became a talking point on social media after his sensational knock against RCB, shortly after being excluded from India's squad for the tour of Australia.

Mumbai Indians' Suryakumar Yadav became a talking point on social media after his sensational knock against RCB, shortly after being excluded from India's squad for the tour of Australia. Also read: Let's talk about Suryakumar Yadav During the match, Kohli and Yadav were involved in a stare-off. This happened during the 13th over when Yadav drove the ball towards the cover where Kohli stopped the ball and gave a long stare to the batsman. Suryakumar did not hold back and stared back himself while remaining unmoved. However, no words were exchanged between the two. Kohli came near Yadav and stared at him for 15 seconds but Yadav said nothing and stood his ground while looking back at him. Kohli's behaviour earned him criticism on social media. Many netizens felt that Kohli's actions left a bad taste. Yadav's team Mumbai Indians took to Twitter to post a cheeky tweet on the incident. It said: "He came, He saw stared, He conquered." ☀️ He came 👀 He s̶a̶w̶ stared 💪🏻 He conquered#OneFamily #MumbaiIndians #MI #Dream11IPL #MIvRCB @surya_14kumar pic.twitter.com/1D8oq3Tkp4 — Mumbai Indians (@mipaltan) October 29, 2020 × In IPL 2018, Suryakumar Yadav smashed 512 runs at an average of 36 and strike-rate of 133.3. In IPL 2019, he scored 424 runs in 16 matches at an average of 32.61 and strike-rate of 130.86. So far in IPL 2020, he has hammered 362 runs in 12 matches at an average of 40.22 and strike-rate of 155.36. Despite his good stats, Yadav was omitted from India squad. It angered many netizens and questioned the selectors' choice.

IPL 2020: Mumbai Indians post cheeky tweet after Yadav's stare-off with Kohli

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/ipl">Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise</a> Royal Challengers Bangalore have&nbsp;launched E-gaming on their Mobile Application as part of a long term business strategy for the platform. India is expected to have 500 million gamers by 2022, and mobile is the most preferred way to play games. The ever-improving gaming technology and the rise of esports have led to the population indulge in e-gaming as a part of leisure activities.

With robust technology that’s already in place, RCB plans to work closely with gaming companies and aggregators to integrate casual games within the RCB App and offer a plethora of features to fans throughout the year and not just during the IPL.

RCB’s brand ethos is congruent of Sports and Lifestyle, and through this Mobile Application, the team has brought yet another astounding way to engage with the fans. RCB has built a digital community where fans can consume content, interact with each other and with the RCB players, not just during the IPL, but through the year.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2020-rohit-sharma-nearing-match-fitness-after-hamstring-injury-338570" hreflang="en">IPL 2020: Rohit Sharma nearing match fitness after hamstring injury</a>

Along with exclusive content, gaming will be one of the key focus areas to engage with fans going forward. The partnership with Gamezop, India’s largest multi-gaming platform, is to offer over 250 casual games in various categories like sports, arcade, puzzle and strategy among others which caters to the cricket fans wanting for more on to the app through this upgrade. Furthermore, making this platform an avenue of business asset for the team.

Rajesh Menon, Head - Royal Challengers Bangalore, said, “Royal Challengers Bangalore works incessantly to design assets that built the ethos of the brand in congruence with Sports and Lifestyle, mounting into a business strategy to take the brand forward.&nbsp; It is the fans who form the true force behind the franchise and every season we have ensured that the experiences we offer are designed for bringing fans closer to the RCB team and help them celebrate the passion for cricket and playing bold. To keep the fans engaged and entertained on and off-field is something which we work on ardently and it will always be our top priority. We are glad to partner with Gamezop for this initiative and will work closely in this endeavour of bringing to fans an engaging gaming experience throughout the year.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/every-opportunity-wriddhiman-got-he-grabbed-with-both-hands-joy-bhattacharjya-338500" hreflang="en">Every opportunity Saha got, he grabbed with both hands: Joy Bhattacharjya</a>

"The Indian Premier League evokes the love for the sport across generations, and RCB is amongst the most livewire sports teams anywhere in the world. We are excited to work closely with the RCB team as they make gaming an integral offering for their fandom," added Ayush Pandey, Business Development Manager, Gamezop.

Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Royal Challengers Bangalore have launched E-gaming on their Mobile Application as part of a long term business strategy for the platform.

Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Royal Challengers Bangalore have launched E-gaming on their Mobile Application as part of a long term business strategy for the platform. India is expected to have 500 million gamers by 2022, and mobile is the most preferred way to play games. The ever-improving gaming technology and the rise of esports have led to the population indulge in e-gaming as a part of leisure activities. With robust technology that’s already in place, RCB plans to work closely with gaming companies and aggregators to integrate casual games within the RCB App and offer a plethora of features to fans throughout the year and not just during the IPL. RCB’s brand ethos is congruent of Sports and Lifestyle, and through this Mobile Application, the team has brought yet another astounding way to engage with the fans. RCB has built a digital community where fans can consume content, interact with each other and with the RCB players, not just during the IPL, but through the year. ALSO READ: IPL 2020: Rohit Sharma nearing match fitness after hamstring injury Along with exclusive content, gaming will be one of the key focus areas to engage with fans going forward. The partnership with Gamezop, India’s largest multi-gaming platform, is to offer over 250 casual games in various categories like sports, arcade, puzzle and strategy among others which caters to the cricket fans wanting for more on to the app through this upgrade. Furthermore, making this platform an avenue of business asset for the team. Rajesh Menon, Head - Royal Challengers Bangalore, said, “Royal Challengers Bangalore works incessantly to design assets that built the ethos of the brand in congruence with Sports and Lifestyle, mounting into a business strategy to take the brand forward. It is the fans who form the true force behind the franchise and every season we have ensured that the experiences we offer are designed for bringing fans closer to the RCB team and help them celebrate the passion for cricket and playing bold. To keep the fans engaged and entertained on and off-field is something which we work on ardently and it will always be our top priority. We are glad to partner with Gamezop for this initiative and will work closely in this endeavour of bringing to fans an engaging gaming experience throughout the year. ALSO READ: Every opportunity Saha got, he grabbed with both hands: Joy Bhattacharjya "The Indian Premier League evokes the love for the sport across generations, and RCB is amongst the most livewire sports teams anywhere in the world. We are excited to work closely with the RCB team as they make gaming an integral offering for their fandom," added Ayush Pandey, Business Development Manager, Gamezop.

Royal Challengers Bangalore foraying into E-gaming

Mumbai Indians are set to take on Royal Challengers Bangalore at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi on Wednesday as the battle for top 2 spots heats up in Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020. Both MI and RCB are equal in the points table with 14 points under their respective belts in 11 matches. However, better net run-rate means, Mumbai Indians sit atop the IPL 2020 standings. <o:p></o:p>

Both RCB and MI can move a step close to achieving qualification to IPL 2020 playoffs. However, a win this evening still won’t guarantee a spot in playoffs, which resembles how tightly the tournament is being fought by all the teams.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/australia-vs-india-full-schedule-dates-venues-and-all-you-need-to-know-338518" hreflang="en">Australia vs India: Full schedule, dates, venues and all you need to know</a>

<h2 class="MsoNormal"><o:p>MI vs RCB: Head-to-head stats</o:p></h2>

Talking about the head-to-head contest between MI and RCB, Mumbai Indians have won 16 matches of the 26 played between the two sides with Royal Challengers Bangalore winning the other 10 encounters.<o:p></o:p>

The last time these two sides met in IPL 2020, Royal Challengers Bangalore clinched the match in Super Over in what was a proper humdinger in Dubai.

<o:p>ALSO READ:&nbsp;</o:p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/all-round-sunrisers-hyderabad-outclass-delhi-capitals-by-88-runs-keep-play-off-hopes-alive-338503" hreflang="en">All-round Sunrisers Hyderabad outclass Delhi Capitals by 88 runs, keep Play-off hopes alive</a>

Conditions have changed since then and Abu Dhabi has assisted the seamers early on and it would be interesting to see what the captain opts to do after winning the toss. <o:p></o:p>

In Abu Dhabi, Mumbai Indians have averaged 187 while batting first while other teams have averaged only 151.<o:p></o:p>

<h2 class="MsoNormal">MI vs RCB, IPL 2020 Squads:<o:p></o:p></h2>

Royal Challengers Bangalore Squad: Devdutt Padikkal, Aaron Finch, Virat Kohli(c), AB de Villiers(w), Moeen Ali, Gurkeerat Singh Mann, Chris Morris, Washington Sundar, Navdeep Saini, Mohammed Siraj, Yuzvendra Chahal, Shahbaz Ahmed, Pawan Negi, Umesh Yadav, Josh Philippe, Pavan Deshpande, Adam Zampa, Parthiv Patel, Dale Steyn, Shivam Dube, Isuru Udana<o:p></o:p>

Mumbai Indians Squad: Ishan Kishan, Quinton de Kock(w), Suryakumar Yadav, Saurabh Tiwary, Hardik Pandya, Kieron Pollard(c), Krunal Pandya, James Pattinson, Rahul Chahar, Trent Boult, Jasprit Bumrah, Nathan Coulter-Nile, Rohit Sharma, Dhawal Kulkarni, Aditya Tare, Mitchell McClenaghan, Chris Lynn, Jayant Yadav, Anmolpreet Singh, Anukul Roy, Mohsin Khan, Sherfane Rutherford, Digvijay Deshmukh, Prince Balwant Rai<o:p></o:p>

Mumbai Indians are set to take on Royal Challengers Bangalore at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi on Wednesday as the battle for top 2 spots heats up in Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020.

Mumbai Indians are set to take on Royal Challengers Bangalore at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi on Wednesday as the battle for top 2 spots heats up in Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020. Both MI and RCB are equal in the points table with 14 points under their respective belts in 11 matches. However, better net run-rate means, Mumbai Indians sit atop the IPL 2020 standings. Both RCB and MI can move a step close to achieving qualification to IPL 2020 playoffs. However, a win this evening still won’t guarantee a spot in playoffs, which resembles how tightly the tournament is being fought by all the teams. ALSO READ: Australia vs India: Full schedule, dates, venues and all you need to know MI vs RCB: Head-to-head stats Talking about the head-to-head contest between MI and RCB, Mumbai Indians have won 16 matches of the 26 played between the two sides with Royal Challengers Bangalore winning the other 10 encounters. The last time these two sides met in IPL 2020, Royal Challengers Bangalore clinched the match in Super Over in what was a proper humdinger in Dubai. ALSO READ: All-round Sunrisers Hyderabad outclass Delhi Capitals by 88 runs, keep Play-off hopes alive Conditions have changed since then and Abu Dhabi has assisted the seamers early on and it would be interesting to see what the captain opts to do after winning the toss. In Abu Dhabi, Mumbai Indians have averaged 187 while batting first while other teams have averaged only 151. MI vs RCB, IPL 2020 Squads: Royal Challengers Bangalore Squad: Devdutt Padikkal, Aaron Finch, Virat Kohli(c), AB de Villiers(w), Moeen Ali, Gurkeerat Singh Mann, Chris Morris, Washington Sundar, Navdeep Saini, Mohammed Siraj, Yuzvendra Chahal, Shahbaz Ahmed, Pawan Negi, Umesh Yadav, Josh Philippe, Pavan Deshpande, Adam Zampa, Parthiv Patel, Dale Steyn, Shivam Dube, Isuru Udana Mumbai Indians Squad: Ishan Kishan, Quinton de Kock(w), Suryakumar Yadav, Saurabh Tiwary, Hardik Pandya, Kieron Pollard(c), Krunal Pandya, James Pattinson, Rahul Chahar, Trent Boult, Jasprit Bumrah, Nathan Coulter-Nile, Rohit Sharma, Dhawal Kulkarni, Aditya Tare, Mitchell McClenaghan, Chris Lynn, Jayant Yadav, Anmolpreet Singh, Anukul Roy, Mohsin Khan, Sherfane Rutherford, Digvijay Deshmukh, Prince Balwant Rai

IPL 2020, MI vs RCB Preview: Intense battle of top 2 teams expected in Abu Dhabi

This year's Indian Premier League has witnessed many young Indian talents like Shubman Gill, Rahul Tewatia, Mayank Agarwal, etc to show fine class for their respective sides this year. However, Devdutt Padikkal has had a successful debut season in IPL.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/csks-ms-dhoni-vows-changes-after-season-of-ipl-failures-337620" hreflang="en">CSK's MS Dhoni vows changes after season of IPL 'failures'</a>

His RCB teammate, Chris Morris has praised the young gun and compared him to Aussie legend Matthew Hayden. He said: "Devdutt Padikkal, batting with Aaron Finch, he has been incredible. He has got a similar imposing way of batting like Matthew Hayden. Obviously, he has not got the size of Hayden. Hayden has a huge chest. But definitely, he has got a similar technique and hits the cricket ball. The way he moves on the field, the way he conducts himself all the time. You look at him, he has definitely got something."

Morris has had a wonderful season for RCB, the all-rounder is one of the most economical bowlers and an explosive batsman for his side. He had to miss the first four games due to a side strain. But as he returned, he scalped nine wickets in five matches.&nbsp;

"The break (due to COVID-19) was really nice both for the body and mental freshness. Good to be playing again and it is just lot of clarity and how the execution needs to be," said the 33-year-old in an online media interaction on Friday.

The Proteas also heaped praises on his co-bowler Navdeep Saini and questioned why did the young speedster not get to play when he was at Delhi Capitals.

He said: "What has impressed me about the Indian pacers is the amount of work they put in. They bowl and bowl and bowl."

This year's Indian Premier League has witnessed many young Indian talents like Shubman Gill, Rahul Tewatia, Mayank Agarwal, etc to show fine class for their respective sides this year.

This year's Indian Premier League has witnessed many young Indian talents like Shubman Gill, Rahul Tewatia, Mayank Agarwal, etc to show fine class for their respective sides this year. However, Devdutt Padikkal has had a successful debut season in IPL. Also read: CSK's MS Dhoni vows changes after season of IPL 'failures' His RCB teammate, Chris Morris has praised the young gun and compared him to Aussie legend Matthew Hayden. He said: "Devdutt Padikkal, batting with Aaron Finch, he has been incredible. He has got a similar imposing way of batting like Matthew Hayden. Obviously, he has not got the size of Hayden. Hayden has a huge chest. But definitely, he has got a similar technique and hits the cricket ball. The way he moves on the field, the way he conducts himself all the time. You look at him, he has definitely got something." Morris has had a wonderful season for RCB, the all-rounder is one of the most economical bowlers and an explosive batsman for his side. He had to miss the first four games due to a side strain. But as he returned, he scalped nine wickets in five matches. "The break (due to COVID-19) was really nice both for the body and mental freshness. Good to be playing again and it is just lot of clarity and how the execution needs to be," said the 33-year-old in an online media interaction on Friday. The Proteas also heaped praises on his co-bowler Navdeep Saini and questioned why did the young speedster not get to play when he was at Delhi Capitals. He said: "What has impressed me about the Indian pacers is the amount of work they put in. They bowl and bowl and bowl."

'Batting like Matthew Hayden': Chris Morris heaps praises on this young Indian batsman

Kolkata Knight Riders suffered a humiliating 8-wicket defeat against Royal Challengers Bangalore in Match 39 of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/ipl">2020 IPL</a>, at Abu Dhabi. Batting first, Kolkata were reduced to 40/6 in the 13th over. They then recovered to 84/8, the lowest score in IPL history by a side without getting bowled out. The wreckers-in-chief were Mohammed Siraj (4-2-8-3), Yuzvendra Chahal (4-0-15-2), and Washington Sundar (4-1-14-1). Bangalore then took their time, reaching the target in the 14th over.

In My11 Circle Cricbuzz Live, Mpumelelo ‘Pommie’ Mbangwa was all in praise of Siraj: “Siraj, into the side [sic], bowl upfront [sic], get it to move [sic], bowl the length that gets it to move[sic], where many a time you’d bowl back of that length, because you don’t want to disappear when you are hit, you are thinking in a defensive fashion rather than in an attacking fashion.”

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/siraj-gurkeerat-lead-rcbs-eight-wicket-rout-of-kolkata-in-ipl-336981">Siraj, Gurkeerat lead RCB's eight-wicket rout of Kolkata in IPL&nbsp;</a>

Simon Doull chipped in: “Those numbers were just phenomenal tonight. He was superb. Sometimes on a surface that offers you only a little bit … He just found that length that kissed through nicely, hit the top of off-stump … Perfect length, he bowls with genuine good pace too … He should have been in the side early on in the tournament, just to give him the confidence.”

Siraj becomes the first bowler to bowl two maiden overs in the same IPL match. He had figures of 2-2-0-3 at one point.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/this-wasnt-a-season-we-expected-but-keep-supporting-csk-bravo-336961" hreflang="en">This wasn't a season we expected, but keep supporting CSK: Bravo</a>

Speaking of Kolkata’s performance, Doull said: “The little worry for Kolkata is just how they have been fortunate to win games – and fortunate courtesy of a couple of collapses from other teams – they haven’t really found their batting strength … We haven’t seen them consistently put those 180s, 190s on the board and bat really well … Although they are reasonably well-placed on the table … they haven’t batted particularly well in the tournament as a whole.”

“The troubles are not in one area,” said Mbangwa, explaining Kolkata’s performance. “Whether you’re looking at the top of the batting … They don’t know which way they want to the middle order … Their bowling has not really gone that well … It’s just a whole big struggle … There’s a clutter of the minds within the KKR camp. There is searching for what will work, how it’s supposed to work, and so on and so forth.”

&nbsp;

The win took RCB to second place, level with DC on points but behind on net run rate. Kolkata are fourth.

Kolkata Knight Riders suffered a humiliating 8-wicket defeat against Royal Challengers Bangalore in Match 39 of the 2020 IPL, at Abu Dhabi. Batting first, Kolkata were reduced to 40/6 in the 13th over.

Kolkata Knight Riders suffered a humiliating 8-wicket defeat against Royal Challengers Bangalore in Match 39 of the 2020 IPL, at Abu Dhabi. Batting first, Kolkata were reduced to 40/6 in the 13th over. They then recovered to 84/8, the lowest score in IPL history by a side without getting bowled out. The wreckers-in-chief were Mohammed Siraj (4-2-8-3), Yuzvendra Chahal (4-0-15-2), and Washington Sundar (4-1-14-1). Bangalore then took their time, reaching the target in the 14th over. In My11 Circle Cricbuzz Live, Mpumelelo ‘Pommie’ Mbangwa was all in praise of Siraj: “Siraj, into the side [sic], bowl upfront [sic], get it to move [sic], bowl the length that gets it to move[sic], where many a time you’d bowl back of that length, because you don’t want to disappear when you are hit, you are thinking in a defensive fashion rather than in an attacking fashion.” ALSO READ: Siraj, Gurkeerat lead RCB's eight-wicket rout of Kolkata in IPL Simon Doull chipped in: “Those numbers were just phenomenal tonight. He was superb. Sometimes on a surface that offers you only a little bit … He just found that length that kissed through nicely, hit the top of off-stump … Perfect length, he bowls with genuine good pace too … He should have been in the side early on in the tournament, just to give him the confidence.” Siraj becomes the first bowler to bowl two maiden overs in the same IPL match. He had figures of 2-2-0-3 at one point. ALSO READ: This wasn't a season we expected, but keep supporting CSK: Bravo Speaking of Kolkata’s performance, Doull said: “The little worry for Kolkata is just how they have been fortunate to win games – and fortunate courtesy of a couple of collapses from other teams – they haven’t really found their batting strength … We haven’t seen them consistently put those 180s, 190s on the board and bat really well … Although they are reasonably well-placed on the table … they haven’t batted particularly well in the tournament as a whole.” “The troubles are not in one area,” said Mbangwa, explaining Kolkata’s performance. “Whether you’re looking at the top of the batting … They don’t know which way they want to the middle order … Their bowling has not really gone that well … It’s just a whole big struggle … There’s a clutter of the minds within the KKR camp. There is searching for what will work, how it’s supposed to work, and so on and so forth.” The win took RCB to second place, level with DC on points but behind on net run rate. Kolkata are fourth.

Mohammed Siraj should have been in the side early on in the tournament: Simon Doull

Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) gain an emphatic eight-wicket victory over Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) on Wednesday at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi.

Fast bowler Mohammed Siraj led the way with figures of 3/8 as RCB strangled KKR to 84/8 in their 20 overs. They chased down the target with a whopping 39 balls to spare.

Siraj bowled two successive maiden overs - the first ever in the IPL - of his four to keep Kolkata down to this season's lowest score of 84 for eight in Abu Dhabi.

Skipper Virat Kohli, who made 18, and Gurkeerat Singh, 21 not out, took Bangalore home in 13.3 overs as the side went level on 14 points with table toppers Delhi Capitals.

After electing to bat first, KKR had the worst start possible as the side lost three wickets with just three runs on the board. Chris Morris bowled the first over for RCB and just gave three runs off it.&nbsp;

Mohammed Siraj came to bowl the second over and changed the momentum of the game as he scalped Rahul Tripathi (1) and Nitish Rana (0) and his over finished as a double-wicket maiden.

Along the course of this match, Siraj also became the first bowler to bowl two maiden overs in an IPL game.KKR was left reeling at 14-4 and it was left up to Eoin Morgan to help the side gain a respectable total.&nbsp;

However, the KKR skipper did not find any support at the other end as Dinesh Karthik (4) and Pat Cummins (4) also disappointed with the bat. Morgan played a knock of 30 runs but his innings was cut short by Washington Sundar in the 16th over. Lockie Ferguson scored 19 runs while Kuldeep Yadav played a knock of 12-run before getting run out on the last ball of the innings.&nbsp;

In the end, KKR were restricted to 84/8 in their 20 overs. For RCB, Siraj returned with the figures of 3-8 while Chahal clinched two wickets.

Brief Scores: Royal Challengers Bangalore 85/2 (Devdutt Padikkal 25, Gurkeerat Singh Mann 21*, Lockie Ferguson 1-17) defeat Kolkata Knight Riders 84/8 (Eoin Morgan 30, Lockie Ferguson 19, Mohammad Siraj 3-8) by eight wickets.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) gain an emphatic eight-wicket victory over Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) on Wednesday at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi. Fast bowler Mohammed Siraj led the way with figures of 3/8 as RCB strangled KKR to 84/8 in their 20 overs.

Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) gain an emphatic eight-wicket victory over Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) on Wednesday at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi. Fast bowler Mohammed Siraj led the way with figures of 3/8 as RCB strangled KKR to 84/8 in their 20 overs. They chased down the target with a whopping 39 balls to spare. Siraj bowled two successive maiden overs - the first ever in the IPL - of his four to keep Kolkata down to this season's lowest score of 84 for eight in Abu Dhabi. Skipper Virat Kohli, who made 18, and Gurkeerat Singh, 21 not out, took Bangalore home in 13.3 overs as the side went level on 14 points with table toppers Delhi Capitals. After electing to bat first, KKR had the worst start possible as the side lost three wickets with just three runs on the board. Chris Morris bowled the first over for RCB and just gave three runs off it. Mohammed Siraj came to bowl the second over and changed the momentum of the game as he scalped Rahul Tripathi (1) and Nitish Rana (0) and his over finished as a double-wicket maiden. Along the course of this match, Siraj also became the first bowler to bowl two maiden overs in an IPL game.KKR was left reeling at 14-4 and it was left up to Eoin Morgan to help the side gain a respectable total. However, the KKR skipper did not find any support at the other end as Dinesh Karthik (4) and Pat Cummins (4) also disappointed with the bat. Morgan played a knock of 30 runs but his innings was cut short by Washington Sundar in the 16th over. Lockie Ferguson scored 19 runs while Kuldeep Yadav played a knock of 12-run before getting run out on the last ball of the innings. In the end, KKR were restricted to 84/8 in their 20 overs. For RCB, Siraj returned with the figures of 3-8 while Chahal clinched two wickets. Brief Scores: Royal Challengers Bangalore 85/2 (Devdutt Padikkal 25, Gurkeerat Singh Mann 21*, Lockie Ferguson 1-17) defeat Kolkata Knight Riders 84/8 (Eoin Morgan 30, Lockie Ferguson 19, Mohammad Siraj 3-8) by eight wickets. (With inputs from agencies)

Siraj, Gurkeerat lead RCB's eight-wicket rout of Kolkata in IPL 

AB de Villiers was the difference between two sides as Royal Challengers Bangalore defeated Rajasthan Royals by seven wickets in Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020. While Rajasthan Royals posted a highly competitive total of 177/6 in 20 overs courtesy some great batting by Robin Uthappa and Steve Smith but it was de Villiers who took the game away from RR single-handedly with his incredible knock.

When RCB were struggling to even get close to RR’s total of 177, AB de Villiers brought his ‘A-game’ and smoked 55 not-out off 22 deliveries laced by six 6s and a boundary. He was supported well by Gurkeerat Singh Mann but the former South African captain stole the show.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/exclusive-by-keeping-things-simple-arshdeep-singh-taking-giant-strides-with-kings-xi-punjab-336022" hreflang="en">Exclusive: 'By keeping things simple', Arshdeep Singh taking giant strides with Kings XI Punjab</a>

Talking about his performance, de Villiers said he wants to show the owners that he is there for a good reason while adding he wants to put smiles on the faces of family, fans and those who play a big part in his career.&nbsp;

“Exteremly happy. Thought we didn't bowl well to be honest. Leaked some silly things. Couple of no balls which Yuzi doesn't do. But Virat and I spoke about it, the need to reset. Very very nervous, and erratic and all sorts of funny stuff. I get very stressed. I'm proud of my performances. Want to perform for my team. want to show owners I'm here for a good reason. Family watching, fans, all those things play a big part,” said de Villiers in the post-match presentation.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2020-ab-de-villiers-power-hitting-helps-royal-challengers-bangalore-beat-rajasthan-royals-by-7-wickets-336043" hreflang="en">IPL 2020: AB de Villiers' power-hitting helps Royal Challengers Bangalore beat Rajasthan Royals by 7 wickets</a>

“I try to stick to my gameplans. It's a cat and mouse game. Honestly I didn't hit any one of them in the middle, but close enough to the middle. Luckily I got a couple over and made him nervous. We've had some good games, have had some average games as well. Have had six really good games in this tournament so far. Plenty of reason to be positive,” he added.

RCB now have 12 points to their name and are sitting third comfortably in IPL 2020 points table. 
&nbsp;

AB de Villiers was the difference between two sides as Royal Challengers Bangalore defeated Rajasthan Royals by seven wickets in Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020.

AB de Villiers was the difference between two sides as Royal Challengers Bangalore defeated Rajasthan Royals by seven wickets in Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020. While Rajasthan Royals posted a highly competitive total of 177/6 in 20 overs courtesy some great batting by Robin Uthappa and Steve Smith but it was de Villiers who took the game away from RR single-handedly with his incredible knock. When RCB were struggling to even get close to RR’s total of 177, AB de Villiers brought his ‘A-game’ and smoked 55 not-out off 22 deliveries laced by six 6s and a boundary. He was supported well by Gurkeerat Singh Mann but the former South African captain stole the show. ALSO READ: Exclusive: 'By keeping things simple', Arshdeep Singh taking giant strides with Kings XI Punjab Talking about his performance, de Villiers said he wants to show the owners that he is there for a good reason while adding he wants to put smiles on the faces of family, fans and those who play a big part in his career. “Exteremly happy. Thought we didn't bowl well to be honest. Leaked some silly things. Couple of no balls which Yuzi doesn't do. But Virat and I spoke about it, the need to reset. Very very nervous, and erratic and all sorts of funny stuff. I get very stressed. I'm proud of my performances. Want to perform for my team. want to show owners I'm here for a good reason. Family watching, fans, all those things play a big part,” said de Villiers in the post-match presentation. ALSO READ: IPL 2020: AB de Villiers' power-hitting helps Royal Challengers Bangalore beat Rajasthan Royals by 7 wickets “I try to stick to my gameplans. It's a cat and mouse game. Honestly I didn't hit any one of them in the middle, but close enough to the middle. Luckily I got a couple over and made him nervous. We've had some good games, have had some average games as well. Have had six really good games in this tournament so far. Plenty of reason to be positive,” he added. RCB now have 12 points to their name and are sitting third comfortably in IPL 2020 points table.

Proud of my performances: 'Superman' AB de Villiers reflect on his terrific form in IPL 2020

Royal Challengers Bangalore made some bizarre decisions during their <a href="https://www.wionews.com/ipl">Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020</a> match against Kings XI Punjab and ended up losing by eight wickets at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium on Thursday. RCB skipper Virat Kohli reacted on the calls made on the field.

RCB made some rare tweaks to their batting line up as they sent Washington Sundar and Shivam Dube ahead of an in-form AB de Villiers in the batting order. While the move backfired as de Villiers was dismissed cheaply, Chris Morris and Isuru Udana, with some lusty blows in the death, made sure RCB touch the 170-run mark in 20 overs.&nbsp;

Kohli, opening up on the strange decisions, said the team management wanted to continue with the left-right combination while adding they were happy with the decisions despite them not coming off.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2020-dinesh-karthik-steps-down-from-kkr-captaincy-eoin-morgan-named-new-skipper-335683">IPL 2020: Dinesh Karthik steps down from KKR captaincy</a>

"It was quite surprising, we thought the game might finish in the 18th. A bit of pressure at the back end can confuse you, anything can happen in this game. Good performance by KXIP, we were not in the game tonight," Virat Kohli said in the post-match presentation ceremony.

"We had a chat, a message from outside about left-right combination and we wanted to go with it because they had two leggies. Sometimes things don't come off. We're pretty happy with the decisions we took, but it didn't come off," Kohli opened up on AB de Villiers batting at No.6.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2020-jos-buttler-to-take-over-as-rajasthan-royals-captain-rr-coo-quashes-rumours-335721" hreflang="en">IPL 2020: Jos Buttler to take over as Rajasthan Royals captain? RR COO reacts</a>

&nbsp;

"Having 170 was a decent score. The idea was to let them [Dube and Sundar] get their eye in. They bowled well. It's not a great ground for bowlers but that's not an excuse.

With the ball, Kohli saved Sundar for Chris Gayle and didn’t hand him the ball in the powerplays as the youngster was taken to cleaners by the ‘Universe Boss’.

"We take pride in our bowling. tonight it didn't come off and we have to accept it and take responsibility. There's always something to learn to go back and understand. There was no conversation with Chahal, to be honest. The only conversation was with the last ball, we wanted him to push it away. Credit to Nicholas," Kohli added.

Kings XI Punjab ended up with an eight-wicket win to register their second win in IPL 2020. 
&nbsp;

Royal Challengers Bangalore made some bizarre decisions during their Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 match against Kings XI Punjab and ended up losing by eight wickets at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium on Thursday.

Royal Challengers Bangalore made some bizarre decisions during their Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 match against Kings XI Punjab and ended up losing by eight wickets at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium on Thursday. RCB skipper Virat Kohli reacted on the calls made on the field. RCB made some rare tweaks to their batting line up as they sent Washington Sundar and Shivam Dube ahead of an in-form AB de Villiers in the batting order. While the move backfired as de Villiers was dismissed cheaply, Chris Morris and Isuru Udana, with some lusty blows in the death, made sure RCB touch the 170-run mark in 20 overs. Kohli, opening up on the strange decisions, said the team management wanted to continue with the left-right combination while adding they were happy with the decisions despite them not coming off. ALSO READ: IPL 2020: Dinesh Karthik steps down from KKR captaincy "It was quite surprising, we thought the game might finish in the 18th. A bit of pressure at the back end can confuse you, anything can happen in this game. Good performance by KXIP, we were not in the game tonight," Virat Kohli said in the post-match presentation ceremony. "We had a chat, a message from outside about left-right combination and we wanted to go with it because they had two leggies. Sometimes things don't come off. We're pretty happy with the decisions we took, but it didn't come off," Kohli opened up on AB de Villiers batting at No.6. ALSO READ: IPL 2020: Jos Buttler to take over as Rajasthan Royals captain? RR COO reacts "Having 170 was a decent score. The idea was to let them [Dube and Sundar] get their eye in. They bowled well. It's not a great ground for bowlers but that's not an excuse. With the ball, Kohli saved Sundar for Chris Gayle and didn’t hand him the ball in the powerplays as the youngster was taken to cleaners by the ‘Universe Boss’. "We take pride in our bowling. tonight it didn't come off and we have to accept it and take responsibility. There's always something to learn to go back and understand. There was no conversation with Chahal, to be honest. The only conversation was with the last ball, we wanted him to push it away. Credit to Nicholas," Kohli added. Kings XI Punjab ended up with an eight-wicket win to register their second win in IPL 2020.

IPL 2020: Virat Kohli reacts to RCB's bizarre decisions during KXIP match

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Delhi Capitals beat Royal Challengers Bangalore by 59 runs in the 19th match of IPL 2020 at Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Monday.&nbsp;

Royal Challengers Bangalore won the toss and chose to bowl first, but the decision backfired after Prithvi Shaw and Shikhar Dhawan got Delhi off to a very good start. Shaw kept smashing the ball across the fence before Siraj got him out. Dhawan and Iyer followed Shaw into the pavilion. However, the partnership between Marcus Stoinis and Rishabh Pant powered the Delhi to 196 with a loss of four wickets. Marcus Stoinis' 53 off 26 runs was the best individual score for DC tonight.&nbsp;

Royal Challengers were off to a sticky start after they lost their in-form batsman Devdutt Padikkal in the second over itself. Finch was dropped three times by the Delhi Capitals, but his luck ran out in the third over. AB de Villiers was out cheap, the South African scored just 9 runs. Skipper Virat Kohli and Moeen Ali held on to keep RCB in the chase. But Moeen got out in the 11th over to Axar Patel. RCB lost all hope after skipper Virat Kohli departed after scoring 43 runs off 39 balls. RCB crumbled under pressure after Kohli's dismissal.&nbsp;

Rabada scalped four wickets for DC and was adjudged the man of the match.&nbsp;

With this victory, Delhi Capitals go on top of the IPL 2020 points table with four wins and one loss.&nbsp;

Delhi Capitals beat Royal Challengers Bangalore by 59 runs in the 19th match of IPL 2020 at Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Monday. Royal Challengers Bangalore won the toss and chose to bowl first, but the decision backfired after Prithvi Shaw and Shikhar Dhawan got Delhi off to a very good start.

Delhi Capitals beat Royal Challengers Bangalore by 59 runs in the 19th match of IPL 2020 at Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Monday. Royal Challengers Bangalore won the toss and chose to bowl first, but the decision backfired after Prithvi Shaw and Shikhar Dhawan got Delhi off to a very good start. Shaw kept smashing the ball across the fence before Siraj got him out. Dhawan and Iyer followed Shaw into the pavilion. However, the partnership between Marcus Stoinis and Rishabh Pant powered the Delhi to 196 with a loss of four wickets. Marcus Stoinis' 53 off 26 runs was the best individual score for DC tonight. Royal Challengers were off to a sticky start after they lost their in-form batsman Devdutt Padikkal in the second over itself. Finch was dropped three times by the Delhi Capitals, but his luck ran out in the third over. AB de Villiers was out cheap, the South African scored just 9 runs. Skipper Virat Kohli and Moeen Ali held on to keep RCB in the chase. But Moeen got out in the 11th over to Axar Patel. RCB lost all hope after skipper Virat Kohli departed after scoring 43 runs off 39 balls. RCB crumbled under pressure after Kohli's dismissal. Rabada scalped four wickets for DC and was adjudged the man of the match. With this victory, Delhi Capitals go on top of the IPL 2020 points table with four wins and one loss.

IPL 2020: Rabada and Stoinis shine as DC beat RCB by 59 runs

Virat Kohli's Royal Challengers Bangalore will take on Shreyas Iyer's Delhi Capitals in the 19th match of IPL 2020 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium in Dubai on Monday.

Virat Kohli's Royal Challengers Bangalore will take on Shreyas Iyer's Delhi Capitals in the 19th match of IPL 2020 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium in Dubai on Monday. Also read: IPL 2020: Watson, Du Plessis lead Chennai to 10-wicket win against KXIP Both teams have won three matches and lost one in this years Indian Premier League. Both RCB and Capitals won the match that led into super over. RCB skipper Virat Kohli returned to top form in the last match against the Sunrisers, and he will be the most dangerous batsmen in a ground like Dubai. Padikkal has notched up three half-centuries in last four match, his innings will also be crucial for the Challengers. AB de Villiers has been good with the bat and could be explosive for the RCB to pose or chase a good total. Isuru Udana, Navdeep Saini and Yuzvendra Chahal have been on top form with the ball and could restrict the capitals to a modest total. Probable XI: Devdutt Padikkal, Aaron Finch, Virat Kohli (c), AB de Villiers (wk), Shivam Dube, Gurkeerat Singh Mann, Isuru Udana, Washington Sundar, Adam Zampa/Dale Steyn, Navdeep Saini, Yuzvendra Chahal Delhi Capitals have been a complete team in this year's Indian Premier League. From Iyer's brave innings to Rabada's deadly pace bowling, the team has proven to be dangerous. R Ashwin on the other hand could play a crucial role. Padikkal has not been tested against an off-spinner at the start of his innings yet, and R Ashwin has knocked him over twice in the Syed Mushtaq Ali and Vijay Hazare Trophy finals. Amit Mishra will be a useful option for the Delhi Capitals, and they might drop Axar Patel. Probable XI: Shikhar Dhawan, Prithvi Shaw/Ajinkya Rahane, Shreyas Iyer (c), Rishabh Pant (wk), Shimron Hetmyer, Marcus Stoinis, Ravichandran Ashwin, Amit Mishra, Harshal Patel, Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje The Capitals have won just 8 of their 23 meetings against RCB. Two of those wins came in the last season where RCB had a disastrous campaign.

IPL 2020, RCB vs DC: Preview, stats, and players to watch out for

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

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

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

Royal Challengers Bangalore beat Rajasthan Royal by 8 wickets to win the second consecutive match in IPL 2020 at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi on Saturday.&nbsp;

Rajasthan Royals' decision of batting first quickly backfired after they lost Smith, Buttler and Samson in the first three over. No batsmen except Mahipal Lomror could play an impressive inning for the Royals. Lomror scored 47 runs off 39 balls. Tewatia and Archer's cameo in final over helped Rajasthan pose a modest total of 154 runs.&nbsp;

Chahal scalped three big wickets to restrict Rajasthan to a modest total. Isuru Udana took two wickets, whereas, Saini scalped a big fish (Buttler).&nbsp;

Royal Challengers were off to a better start. Despite losing an early wicket of Aaron Finch. The 99-run partnership between Padikkal and Kohli landed a fatal blow to Rajasthan Royals. Virat Kohli was backed in form and scored 72 runs off 53 balls. Padikkal smashed his third 50 in the fourth match for the Royal Challengers. Rajasthan's Gopal and Archer scalped one wicket each.&nbsp;

The mammoth win against Rajasthan helped Bangalore go at the top of the table making it the first till until now to win three matches in four games. However, RCB will be toppled before the day ends as the winner of DC vs KKR will go on top due to better net run rate. Rajasthan witnessed second consecutive defeat and are now placed sixth in the points table.

Royal Challengers Bangalore beat Rajasthan Royal by 8 wickets to win the second consecutive match in IPL 2020 at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi on Saturday.

Royal Challengers Bangalore beat Rajasthan Royal by 8 wickets to win the second consecutive match in IPL 2020 at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi on Saturday. Rajasthan Royals' decision of batting first quickly backfired after they lost Smith, Buttler and Samson in the first three over. No batsmen except Mahipal Lomror could play an impressive inning for the Royals. Lomror scored 47 runs off 39 balls. Tewatia and Archer's cameo in final over helped Rajasthan pose a modest total of 154 runs. Chahal scalped three big wickets to restrict Rajasthan to a modest total. Isuru Udana took two wickets, whereas, Saini scalped a big fish (Buttler). Royal Challengers were off to a better start. Despite losing an early wicket of Aaron Finch. The 99-run partnership between Padikkal and Kohli landed a fatal blow to Rajasthan Royals. Virat Kohli was backed in form and scored 72 runs off 53 balls. Padikkal smashed his third 50 in the fourth match for the Royal Challengers. Rajasthan's Gopal and Archer scalped one wicket each. The mammoth win against Rajasthan helped Bangalore go at the top of the table making it the first till until now to win three matches in four games. However, RCB will be toppled before the day ends as the winner of DC vs KKR will go on top due to better net run rate. Rajasthan witnessed second consecutive defeat and are now placed sixth in the points table.

IPL 2020: Kohli and Chahal star as Royal Challengers beat Rajasthan Royals by 8 wickets

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

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

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

Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) batsman and Australian captain Aaron Finch has sounded a warning for other <a href="https://www.wionews.com/ipl">Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020</a> teams as he said that he is well capable of taking on the bowlers if required while adding his role will not be limited to anchoring the match while opening with young star Devdutt Padikkal.&nbsp;

Finch was seen in a held back role in RCB’s IPL 2020 season opener against Sunrisers Hyderabad as he scored 29 runs off 27 deliveries. Whereas Padikkal went all out in his 42-ball 56 laced by eight boundaries.&nbsp;

The Australian skipper on Wednesday said that he can play any role as per the requirements of the team and donned the anchoring role as Padikkal was full of confidence in his strokes against SRH.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/my-covid-heroes-royal-challengers-bangalore-to-pay-tribute-to-frontline-warriors-in-ipl-2020-328178">'My Covid Heroes': Royal Challengers Bangalore to pay tribute to frontline warriors in IPL 2020</a>

"I can play whatever role the team wants. The other day, Dev (Devdutt Padikkal) was taking on the bowlers so it was my job to rotate the strike. But I am capable of taking the charge if and when necessary for RCB. His composure under pressure was amazing, he played his natural game and stuck to his guns, that was amazing to see,” Finch answered to WION’s query during a media interaction on Wednesday.

RCB head coach Simon Katich and newly-recruited director of cricket operations Mike Hesson will be aiming to help the Bengaluru outfit. Speaking of Katich and Hesson, Finch said: "Simon and Mike are calm guys, they think about all the scenarios clearly, they don't bring emotions into their thinking, it is important to do when you are in the coaching setup, everyone has huge amount of respect for them"

IN PICS |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/ipl-2020-action-in-pictures-as-grand-festival-of-cricket-starts-in-uae-328877" hreflang="en">IPL 2020: Action in pictures as 'grand festival' of cricket starts in UAE</a>

There has been plenty of talks about the dew factor kicking in the evening matches with conditions favouring the chasing team. Finch, speaking of the dew factor, said dew makes it easier for batting and tougher for bowling while adding RCB’s spinners have prepared well for the conditions.

"When the dew comes in, the pitches are not that slow, it is about being flexible in every match. Spinners always play a big role in the IPL, they have great records, leading wicket-takers are often the spinners, it is just one of the features in the tournament,” Finch said.&nbsp;

Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) batsman and Australian captain Aaron Finch has sounded a warning for other Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 teams as he said that he is well capable of taking on the bowlers if required while adding his role will not be limited to anchoring the match while opening with young star Devdutt Padikkal.

Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) batsman and Australian captain Aaron Finch has sounded a warning for other Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 teams as he said that he is well capable of taking on the bowlers if required while adding his role will not be limited to anchoring the match while opening with young star Devdutt Padikkal. Finch was seen in a held back role in RCB’s IPL 2020 season opener against Sunrisers Hyderabad as he scored 29 runs off 27 deliveries. Whereas Padikkal went all out in his 42-ball 56 laced by eight boundaries. The Australian skipper on Wednesday said that he can play any role as per the requirements of the team and donned the anchoring role as Padikkal was full of confidence in his strokes against SRH. ALSO READ: 'My Covid Heroes': Royal Challengers Bangalore to pay tribute to frontline warriors in IPL 2020 "I can play whatever role the team wants. The other day, Dev (Devdutt Padikkal) was taking on the bowlers so it was my job to rotate the strike. But I am capable of taking the charge if and when necessary for RCB. His composure under pressure was amazing, he played his natural game and stuck to his guns, that was amazing to see,” Finch answered to WION’s query during a media interaction on Wednesday. RCB head coach Simon Katich and newly-recruited director of cricket operations Mike Hesson will be aiming to help the Bengaluru outfit. Speaking of Katich and Hesson, Finch said: "Simon and Mike are calm guys, they think about all the scenarios clearly, they don't bring emotions into their thinking, it is important to do when you are in the coaching setup, everyone has huge amount of respect for them" IN PICS | IPL 2020: Action in pictures as 'grand festival' of cricket starts in UAE There has been plenty of talks about the dew factor kicking in the evening matches with conditions favouring the chasing team. Finch, speaking of the dew factor, said dew makes it easier for batting and tougher for bowling while adding RCB’s spinners have prepared well for the conditions. "When the dew comes in, the pitches are not that slow, it is about being flexible in every match. Spinners always play a big role in the IPL, they have great records, leading wicket-takers are often the spinners, it is just one of the features in the tournament,” Finch said.

IPL 2020: Aaron Finch opens up on his batting role at RCB, says 'capable of taking charge when necessary'

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Virat Kohli says he has "never felt so calm" going into an Indian Premier League season as the Royal Challengers Bangalore skipper chases an elusive title in the Twenty20 tournament.

Kohli's Bangalore finished runners-up in the 2016 edition but have since disappointed and were bottom of the eight-team table last year.

But the world's leading ODI batsman expects a turnaround from a team containing big names such as South Africa's explosive AB de Villiers and Australia's big-hitting white ball skipper Aaron Finch.

"I (have) never felt so calm going into a season before," Kohli said during an interview posted on his side's YouTube channel on Monday ahead of the tournament beginning September 19 in the United Arab Emirates.

"He (de Villiers) is coming from a very different space and he is enjoying his life and is very relaxed and fit as ever. I feel I am in a much better space, much more balanced, when it comes to environment of (the) IPL.

"Aaron Finch is someone who has experience of playing international cricket."

Kohli has captained Bangalore since 2013 and said the tournament being played outside India because of coronavirus meant his side would be "disconnecting with things that have happened in the past and not taking that baggage, as we have done that way too many times.

"Just because we have a bunch of players that are so skilled... people have had so much expectation," he admitted.

Bangalore's other imported talent includes South African pace bowler Chris Morris and little known Australian wicketkeeper-batsman Josh Philippe.

"Morris brings in a lot of balance," said Kohli. "Some of the youngsters we have picked this time are quite exciting too like Josh Philippe, a very exciting player."

The IPL will be played across three venues within relatively close proximity -- Dubai, Sharjah and Abu Dhabi -- and Kohli feels that will lead to consistent playing conditions across the tournament.

"It (the usual home and away system in India) gets hectic, conditions change... This time, it's more of a level playing field and everything would now boil down to skill level rather than home advantage," he said.

"We have unpacked all bags and stacked clothes in the wardrobe. We go, practise, live in our own bio-bubble… It's a more settled and calm feeling."

Virat Kohli says he has "never felt so calm" going into an Indian Premier League season as the Royal Challengers Bangalore skipper chases an elusive title in the Twenty20 tournament.

Virat Kohli says he has "never felt so calm" going into an Indian Premier League season as the Royal Challengers Bangalore skipper chases an elusive title in the Twenty20 tournament. Kohli's Bangalore finished runners-up in the 2016 edition but have since disappointed and were bottom of the eight-team table last year. But the world's leading ODI batsman expects a turnaround from a team containing big names such as South Africa's explosive AB de Villiers and Australia's big-hitting white ball skipper Aaron Finch. "I (have) never felt so calm going into a season before," Kohli said during an interview posted on his side's YouTube channel on Monday ahead of the tournament beginning September 19 in the United Arab Emirates. "He (de Villiers) is coming from a very different space and he is enjoying his life and is very relaxed and fit as ever. I feel I am in a much better space, much more balanced, when it comes to environment of (the) IPL. "Aaron Finch is someone who has experience of playing international cricket." Kohli has captained Bangalore since 2013 and said the tournament being played outside India because of coronavirus meant his side would be "disconnecting with things that have happened in the past and not taking that baggage, as we have done that way too many times. "Just because we have a bunch of players that are so skilled... people have had so much expectation," he admitted. Bangalore's other imported talent includes South African pace bowler Chris Morris and little known Australian wicketkeeper-batsman Josh Philippe. "Morris brings in a lot of balance," said Kohli. "Some of the youngsters we have picked this time are quite exciting too like Josh Philippe, a very exciting player." The IPL will be played across three venues within relatively close proximity -- Dubai, Sharjah and Abu Dhabi -- and Kohli feels that will lead to consistent playing conditions across the tournament. "It (the usual home and away system in India) gets hectic, conditions change... This time, it's more of a level playing field and everything would now boil down to skill level rather than home advantage," he said. "We have unpacked all bags and stacked clothes in the wardrobe. We go, practise, live in our own bio-bubble… It's a more settled and calm feeling."

'Never felt so calm': Kohli expects IPL challenge from Bangalore

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

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