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News18
37 minutes ago
- Sport
- News18
AB de Villiers Arrives In Ahmedabad Ahead Of IPL 2025 Final, Video Goes Viral
Last Updated: AB de Villiers has reached Ahmedabad for IPL 2025 final to support RCB against Punjab Kings, fulfilling his promise to be present for the summit clash. Former South Africa and Royal Challengers Bengaluru batter AB de Villiers on Tuesday reached Ahmedabad for the IPL 2025 final between RCB and the Punjab Kings, with the star player expected to have a commentary stint, as well as keep his promise to be present if RCB end their trophy drought. Parting ways with problems that plagued their previous campaigns, Bengaluru have been clinical all the way through, coming into the final with an eight-wicket hammering of Punjab in a one-sided Qualifier 1. Ace India batter Virat Kohli (614 runs) has gone about his business like every other year, piling up runs at the top and continuing to lay platforms, but where it has made the difference for Bengaluru is that there is a lot more substance to their batting beyond Kohli. One of the star Indian batter's best cricketing mates, de Villiers, had promised earlier that if RCB win the title, he will be on the field with Kohli to hold it together. Watch the video here: AB de Villiers has reached Ahmedabad to support RCB ❤️ — Virat Kohli Fan Club (@Trend_VKohli) June 3, 2025 De Villiers also left a heartfelt message for his mate Kohli ahead of the IPL 2025 final, the latter's fourth summit clash with the same team. 'My message to Virat is to go out and enjoy and have fun out there. Put a smile on your face. I will be there watching you. Bring that (IPL) trophy home. Enjoy every minute of it," de Villiers said while speaking on Star Sports. Kohli hasn't been the only one to carry the focus and attention this year, rather, he has quietly gone about his business in fortifying for Bengaluru. Since he has missed RCB's last two matches, it remains to be seen if Tim David is fit for this contest as he forms a crucial death overs batting pair with another hitter in Romario Shepherd. Like Kohli in their batting, the calm and composed Josh Hazlewood (21 wickets) has been at the helm of Bengaluru's rise and is the fourth highest wicket-taker, and the Aussie would want to add more to move up the ladder in one last match.
India Today
an hour ago
- Sport
- India Today
The RCB remontada: How bowling, Kohli non-dependence have them on brink of IPL title
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 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 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 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 from this, the 2025 season has seen different players stand up for RCB at various 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 IN THIS STORY#IPL 2025
The National
5 hours ago
- Business
- The National
IPL 2025 final: Win or lose, Shreyas Iyer is already a champion
The wishes of many cricket fans will get fulfilled on Tuesday when the IPL trophy is lifted by a first-time champion. While IPL supporters have formed deeply entrenched loyalties, a sizeable number would be pleased that if not their team, there will at least be a new champion – and that, too, a franchise that has been down in the dumps for the best part of two decades. Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Punjab Kings have waged their own battles in the IPL, and most of it has got nothing to do with the actual trophy. Bengaluru have one the most incredible fan bases in franchise cricket – deeply loyal with almost unconditional support despite no trophies. They have had some of the greatest names in T20 cricket in their line-up over the years but missed the mark every year, for a variety of reasons. But there were two constants that kept the franchise running and growing – their fans and Virat Kohli. The star India batter has lifted all major white-ball trophies at international level, but the absence of the IPL silverware in the cabinet is particularly painful for a player who has pledged his allegiance to the franchise for the rest of his playing days. Kohli has had great support cast over the years – be it AB de Villiers or Chris Gayle. But it was still not enough, mainly because the franchise would get fixated on one or two names and then forget that they need to have a balanced squad. This year, Bengaluru finally learnt from their mistakes, made quality selections before and during the player auction – like Phil Salt and Josh Hazlewood - and backed their local players diligently; their leadership pair of Jitesh Sharma and Rajat Patidar may not be outstanding but have been inspiring. If RCB lift the title on Tuesday in Ahmedabad, it would mark the completion of a two-decade long journey that has suffered catastrophic derailments but somehow still maintained momentum. Standing in their way is a side that has had an even more painful existence. Bengaluru at least had superstars, a loyal fanbase and the biggest name in cricket associated with their team. Punjab barely cropped up in conversations. The franchise had become the laughing stock of the IPL, propping up the points table more often than not. They didn't even possess a strong local identity in their squad, failing to capitalise on their fertile domestic T20 landscape. So much so, before the tournament started, Lucknow's new captain Rishabh Pant said his only worry during the auction was landing up at Punjab. Turns out, all Punjab needed was a world-class coach in Ricky Ponting and a blockbuster partnership with the golden boy of Indian cricket – Shreyas Iyer. Punjab first tapped into the enviable supply line of young T20 players in the northern region and put together one of the strongest outfits. Young guns like Priyansh Arya (451 runs) and Prabhsimran Singh (523 runs) flourished after being given the freedom to bat without fear. In bowling, Arshdeep Singh (18 wickets) was excellent as always, while veteran leg spinner Yuzvendra Chahal (15 wickets) found a spring in his step under new leadership and clarity of vision. What held it all together was the galvenising leadership of Iyer. The 2024 IPL winning captain had surprisingly been released by Kolkata. That was a period of great uncertainty in his professional career. Despite being the unsung hero of India's run to the final of the 2023 ODI World Cup, Iyer found himself out of the national team and central contract system over unspecified disciplinary issues pertaining to availability for domestic cricket. While most players who receive such censure take a time to recover, Iyer turned on the afterburners right away and blazed through every single competition over the past season and a half, as if to prove a point. Having won the IPL title at Kolkata, Iyer guided his local team Mumbai to the domestic T20 title last year, played a winning hand in the final of the first-class tournament, was India's leading run getter in their victorious campaign in the Champions Trophy in Dubai earlier this year, regained his central contract with the national team and has now blasted 603 runs to guide Punjab to the IPL final. His unbeaten knock of 87 from 41 balls in a 204-run chase against Mumbai in the second qualifier – that ran well into the night due to rain delays – was the defining knock of this year's IPL, and possibly Iyer's career. It proved beyond doubt that the 30-year-old is the biggest match winner in Indian cricket – at par with Jasprit Bumrah. Players look up to him because of his incredible results over the past two seasons and the manner of his comeback from unexpected demotion; at one point, Iyer was being seen as the next captain of the national team before falling out of favour. India now have three different captains of the national team, but Iyer is not part of the conversation in any of them. If Punjab win the IPL, it will provide a clear identity to the franchise, to go with their magnificent new base at the Mullanpur stadium, and cement Iyer's position at the forefront of Indian cricket and batting. Even if Punjab lose, Iyer would have done his job and it will then be up to Indian cricket and its stakeholders to make the most of Iyer's golden run of form.
Mint
20 hours ago
- Sport
- Mint
RCB, the South Africa of IPL: Why are Royal Challengers Bengaluru compared with the Proteas?
Royal Challengers Bengaluru are often called the South Africa of IPL. it's a comparison that resonates with many cricket fans. Here's why. RCB have had some of the biggest names in T20 cricket, just like South Africa. Virat Kohli is all-time highest IPL run-scorer (8,618 runs). South African AB de Villiers, one of the most destructive batters in T20 history, is called Mr. 360 degrees. Chris Gayle is the holder of the highest individual IPL score of 175*. Despite this firepower, RCB have never lifted the IPL trophy in 17 seasons. Similarly, South Africa have produced legends like Jacques Kallis, Dale Steyn and Hashim Amla. But, the Proteas have never won an ICC ODI World Cup or T20 World Cup. Talent hasn't translated to titles. The label of 'chokers' has haunted both RCB and the Proteas. Many Bengaluru critics sarcastically say that the C in RCB refers to that. Despite being in sublime throughout the tournament, both teams falter at the last moment. South Africa were famously crashed out of the 1999 World Cup semi-final due to a run-out mix-up. Again, in 2015, they lost due to a dropped catch and panic during a tight run chase. Many blame the mix-up between substitute fielder Farhaan Behardien and JP Duminy. RCB, likewise, lost the 2009 IPL final to Deccan Chargers, the 2011 final to Chennai Super Kings and the 2016 final to Sunrisers Hyderabad despite having momentum. While chasing in 2016, RCB were 140/2 in 12.5 overs when Virat Kohli was dismissed. They lost by 8 runs. Such repeated collapses in critical moments have cemented their reputation as perennial underachievers. In IPL 2016, Virat Kohli received the Player of the Tournament award and won the Orange Cap after scoring 973 runs. AB de Villiers scored 687 runs but still ended up trophyless. Chris Gayle won Orange Cap in 2011; RCB lost in the final to Chennai Super Kings. In 2012, Gayle won Orange Cap again. RCB could not reach the playoffs for lower Net Run Rate despite having same points like CSK. In 2024, Virat Kohli won Orange Cap again. His team lost Eliminator. Similarly, South Africa's history mirrors this. AB de Villiers scored a century off 31 balls (world record) in ODIs, and Kallis averaged 80.83 in the 2007 World Cup, yet the team faltered in knockouts. More recently, against India, South Africa needed 26 runs in 4 overs with 6 wickets in hand to win the T20 World Cup 2024. While chasing 176, they ended up at 169/8 in 20 overs. Will the curse finally be lifted? We'll know on June 3.
Time of India
a day ago
- Sport
- Time of India
18 calling 18: Could this be the year for Virat Kohli and RCB?
A winner of ICC World Cups in both formats, the U-19 World Cup, Champions Trophy and the No 1 Test mace, has checked almost every major cricket trophy box except one — the Indian Premier League. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now He has come agonizingly close on three occasions in the past when his team, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, failed to surmount the final hurdle. Those defeats have hurt. The 36-year-old will have another opportunity to add what has become an elusive trophy to his cabinet. It might be his best chance yet, given the way RCB have played this season. After several false dawns, they have, finally, looked like a champion team. , who recently retired from Test cricket, has been Royal Challengers Bengaluru's driving force for years, joining the franchise in the inaugural year — a time when his career was still more of a promise and less of an accomplishment. He now is their mainstay, the skipper without the captain's armband, the man for whom fans queue up several hours in advance just to catch a glimpse. 'He looks very focused,' said AB de Villiers, Kohli's former teammate at RCB and South African stalwart. 'The job's not done yet, but I have no doubt he will play a big hand.' IPL 2025 Winner Prediction: What Greenstone Lobo's Astrology says It's been a long IPL road for Kohli with RCB. He led the Bengalurubased franchise from 2013 to 2021, during which their best performance was the runner-up finish in 2016. In previous years, he had superstars like Anil Kumble, Daniel Vettori, Chirs Gayle, De Villiers and Faf du Plessis and could rely on their wealth of experience, but this year has perhaps been the most challenging since he is RCB's most seasoned player. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Yet, he has, unofficially, marshalled the team's resources admirably, allowing Rajat Patidar to settle down as captain and guiding Jitesh Sharma as stand-in skipper. Poll Will this be Kohli's year to finally win the IPL title with RCB? Yes, it's his best chance yet No, they will fall short again Teaming up mostly with Phil Salt and in his absence Jacob Bethell, Kohli has given RCB starts which have proved game-changing on more than one occasion this season. While players half his age are going slam bang, Kohli has redefined the art of mixing elegance with aggression, scoring 614 runs in 14 matches thus far at a healthy strike rate of 146.63.' While an unbeaten 73, against Punjab Kings in a league fixture remains his best so far, the seven other half centuries he has scored have added weight to RCB's campaign. 'I don't want to be a one-season wonder': Punjab Kings' Shashank Singh In a season where there have been injuries to key players like Josh Hazlewood and Devdutt Padikkal, Kohli has helped the team weather the storm and stay focused. Kohli, who with 714 runs was the highest run getter last season, may have entered the twilight of his IPL career, but the fire to succeed burns as brightly as it did in 2008. It is probably that fire which could spur RCB to their maiden title triumph on Tuesday night
