The RCB remontada: How bowling, Kohli non-dependence have them on brink of IPL title

India Today

2 days ago

For a long period of time, RCB was all about the batting power they possessed. Starting with one of the greatest players of his generation, Virat Kohli, RCB possessed the likes of Chris Gayle and AB de Villiers, who could terrorise any bowling lineup single-handedly and get wins for the team. These three did get RCB into stronger spots, but it was the bowling that truly was a problem area for the franchise at least in the last decade.advertisementSince Gayle and De Villiers left the franchise, it felt like Kohli was almost one on a one-man job to get the runs. While Faf du Plessis came in to help Kohli at the top in the last three seasons, the support wasn't there from the rest. But this time around, all of that changed for RCB. When the auction panned out, there were many moments where fans felt that the franchise wasn't going hard enough for big names. But RCB were playing the perfect waiting game.RCB vs PBKS, IPL Final Live Score and Updates
They then assembled a squad that, after the 14 league games, showed that they had all the bases covered. AB de Villiers put it perfectly, saying that the noticeable change between the RCB squads from 2016 and 2025 was the setup and the balance of the squad.advertisement"Noticeable change is in the setup of the team and the balance of the squad. I was publicly quite loud about the fact that's the first time where I looked at an auction and I thought to myself, ok, we've got something going on here," said De Villiers.Apart from this, the 2025 season has seen different players stand up for RCB at various points.The bowling lineup steps up
Josh Hazlewood has been in exceptional form for RCB. Courtesy: PTI
One of the striking features of the RCB bowling lineup after the auction was seeing Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Josh Hazlewood being in the squad and the calmness they bring in. Both men are not known for their express pace but for the Test cricket line and lengths they stick with.The duo have picked up 36 wickets between them this season with the rest of the pack following them and their bowling methods. Hazlewood said after the Qualifier 1 win that the younger bowlers have picked up on the calmness that Bhuvneshwar brings into the attack and added it to their arsenal.advertisement"Everything's quite relaxed, quite calm, focus on your skill, and try and execute that. And I think maybe a few of the younger guys in the attack have picked up on that and taken into their own game," said Hazlewood.Apart from this, trusting the likes of Krunal Pandya and a young Suyash Sharma to lead the spin attack was a move that was met with scepticism at the start. The duo has got 23 wickets between them, but it is the way they have been able to stem the run flow on the flat tracks that has made RCB better this season.As compared to earlier times, and even in 2016 when they reached the final last time, there is a more well-rounded look to the bowling lineup that covers all the bases.Everyone putting their hands up
Krunal Pandya has been key for RCB in IPL 2025. Courtesy: PTI
RCB have secured 10 wins this season. Of this, they have 9 different Player Of The Match winners. From Kohli himself to the likes of Krunal, Jitesh Sharma and others stepping in, RCB wins felt more of a team effort than a one-man show.advertisementBut it wasn't just about the awards and accolades. Impactful performances like the Romario Shepherd fifty or a few blitz from Tim David handed Bengaluru some major wins en route to the final.Often, when it comes to impactful performances, Kohli is the one who stands out for RCB. This time, as De Villiers pointed out, not a lot is being talked about Kohli. He has gone about his role with the bat, while others have given the RCB star the time and space to be himself in the middle.The RCB legend feels that the players know that they have a role to play in the team's win and that clarity is making them step up."Not much has been heard of him or made of him, and his performances as in the past, which tells you there are other guys who are also performing. 9 different Man of the match awards going to 9 different RCB players, which tells you it's a healthy environment. There are guys there that feel confident with the fact that they can play a role in the impact of the team's results at the end of the tournament. And what I like most about this season is I feel the youngsters are empowered, that's something we've lacked in the past," said De Villiers.advertisementSo a mix of two weak points in the past has made RCB on the brink of their first IPL title. The result is still unknown and anything can happen in Ahmedabad on June 3. But, we can expect the bowling lineup to remain disciplined and don't be surprised if a new player puts his hand up with a big performance.Stay updated on IPL 2025 with India Today! Get match schedules, team squads, live score, and the latest IPL points table for CSK, MI, RCB, KKR, SRH, LSG, DC, GT, PBKS, and RR. Plus, keep track of the top contenders for the IPL Orange Cap and Purple Cap. Don't miss a moment!Tune In
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