The Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) would feel extremely let down as they failed to qualify for the playoffs in the 2023 IPL season. Their key batsman, Virat Kohli, had an outstanding performance, scoring an impressive total of 639 runs in 14 innings, including 6 half-centuries and 2 centuries. Kohli delivered a phenomenal hundred against the Gujarat Titans (GT), but unfortunately, RCB’s bowlers were unable to contain the opposition.
RCB concluded the season in the 6th spot of the points table, earning 14 points from 14 matches. It is fair to say that the team heavily relied on the trio of Faf, Virat, and Maxwell, which ultimately did not contribute significantly to the team’s success.
For the upcoming season, RCB should focus on reinforcing their middle order and consider prioritizing local players over overseas cricketers. It will be intriguing to observe whether the team chooses to retain wicketkeeper-batsman Dinesh Karthik, considering his disappointing performance in the tournament.
Ravi Shastri on Virat Kohli
During a conversation with Star Sports, Ravi Shastri expressed that Virat would be deeply disappointed, given his 16-year association with RCB. Shastri highlighted the cases of RCB, Delhi Capitals (DC), and Punjab Kings (PBKS), emphasizing that despite having star players, these teams have been unsuccessful in clinching the IPL title.
“No question, he will be gutted. He has been playing for the franchise for such a long time. It’s been 16 years, you have not won the IPL. But every time you come back, you will be reminded of that. It’s no fault of anyone for them to be reminded because that’s the nature of the beast,” Shastri said.
“If you look at Delhi, if you look at Bengaluru, if you look at Punjab, these 3 teams have not won it. It’s incredible considering the real superstars who have played for them in the past,” he added.
Ravi Shastri mentioned that Virat would be experiencing a sense of anguish despite performing exceptionally well. Shastri expressed his admiration for Virat’s batting display in the season, highlighting that his shot selection was impeccable.
“Virat Kohli will be gutted. It will be hurting him, especially after playing so well. Virat Kohli seemed to be peaking at the right time, 2 hundreds in the last two league games. It’s probably the best I have seen him bat in the last 2-3 years, his footwork, the balance and the choice of shorts and the time he had on his hands to play them. It would be an understatement to say he will not be disappointment,” he further added.
