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Economic Times
9 hours ago
- Sport
- Economic Times
Virat Kohli's RCB in IPL Final: How three men changed Royal Challengers Bengaluru's auction dynamics
RCB: Insight, perhaps, was not the watchword in Royal Challengers Bengaluru's auction process, for long. In the past, they assembled a slew of stars and then tried to build the team around them. ADVERTISEMENT It was so glaring in the mid 2010s 'Galactico' era of Virat Kohli, Chris Gayle and AB de Villiers when RCB was a three-man team. But the appointment of Mo Bobat and Andy Flower and Dinesh Karthik into the coaching staff changed the template, and it reflected in RCB's approach in the auction room in 2024. RCB gives 5,500% hike to this player, it is not Virat Kohli In Rishabh Pant, KL Rahul and Shreyas Iyer some of the biggest names in contemporary Indian cricket were available to buy, and going by the past precedent, RCB would have broken their vault to acquire at least two of them. Instead, they focussed on value buys such as Josh Hazlewood, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Krunal Pandya, Phil Salt, Suyash Sharma, Romario Shepherd and Tim David. Each of them have played important roles in RCB's wins this season to prove their worth - home and away. ADVERTISEMENT It was clear that RCB wanted certain players to suit certain roles within the team, rather than purchasing players merely on their reputation. "I think we got predominantly what we wanted in terms of playing personnel. But more importantly, with the actual shape of the team and the vision of that team that Andy and I spent so much time thinking about and talking about, we pretty much nailed that. And you get to see that come to life on the field," said Bobat, the RCB's director, in a release. ADVERTISEMENT The acquisition of Salt offers the most palpable validation of those words. The RCB was ready to let go Will Jacks, who had blitzed a 41-ball hundred against Gujarat Titans last year, for Salt, whom the coaching staff thought can produce big overs consistently upfront. ADVERTISEMENT He plays the high-risk game, and has taken apart the biggest names in opposition ranks like Mitchell Starc (Delhi Capitals) and Pat Cummins (Sunrisers Hyderabad) to destroy their morale. However, Salt has also produced those little cameos that made a big difference in the eventual outcome of the match. ADVERTISEMENT The Royal Challengers needed a quick start while chasing an imposing 228 against Lucknow Super Giants, and a win was imperative for them to ensure a top-two finish. The English opener made 30 off 19 balls, helping Kohli milk 61 runs in just 5.4 overs and RCB did not let that early momentum slip away. Karthik, the mentor who had a critical role in finalising the RCB auction pattern, explained the rationale behind selecting players like Salt. "I thought we did beautifully in picking a very balanced squad, knowing what sort of players we want and which player would fit in which role. As we were picking the team, we used to put players in certain roles and see how they fit. "We were very sure this is the kind of batting order we wanted. And in the auction prep as well, we had a few eleven as combinations, and in that, we had certain players, certain names in mind," said Karthik. It reflected even while picking up replacement for an injured player. The RCB management did not hesitate to draft in Mayank Agarwal when the in-form but injured Devdutt Padikkal was ruled out of this IPL season. The management considered Agarwal's experience at this stage, and his ability to replicate the role Padikkal did this season for them, allowing the bigger hitters to do their job while keeping his end going. The Karnataka batter also has a solid case for himself, racking up 179 runs from seven matches at a strike-rate of 153 at this season's Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. "The difference between this RCB squad and some of the ones that were picked previously are: the amount of experience through the 12 players, the strength and depth in batting," said Karthik. Agarwal did not disappoint either. He made an unbeaten 41 off 23 balls at a strike-rate of 178, while giving strong support to Jitesh Sharma (85, 33b, SR: 257) against LSG. Their unbroken 107-run stand for the fifth wicket gave RCB a remarkable six-wicket win. These players have been part of several T20 competitions, and that experience meant that they needed minimal hand holding in a pressure situation. Karthik acknowledged that fact. "And many leaders - not just one or two big names - but lots of leaders through the players that we had picked from auction," he said. However, a majority of these cricketers were first-time entrants to the RCB dressing room, and they had to be made to feel secure in a new environment. It was imperative because RCB handed the captain's armband to Rajat Patidar, a fine player but someone who does not command a similar stature as some others in the dugout. By all accounts, the think-tank has done that coordination job to perfection and Patidar has now grown into an accepted and respected leader of the pack. "For Andy and I, creating a sort of environment where people feel safe, where they feel backed, where they feel like they're accountable for their own decisions, and where they're able to hopefully showcase their strengths - that's the key bit," said Bobat. Now, they stand just one win away from their maiden IPL title and the 'Ee Sala Cup Namde' (This time the Cup is ours) tagline sounds much more realistic than in any previous seasons.
Time of India
10 hours ago
- Business
- Time of India
Virat Kohli's RCB in IPL Final: How three men changed Royal Challengers Bengaluru's auction dynamics
Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads RCB: Insight, perhaps, was not the watchword in Royal Challengers Bengaluru's auction process, for long. In the past, they assembled a slew of stars and then tried to build the team around was so glaring in the mid 2010s 'Galactico' era of Virat Kohli, Chris Gayle and AB de Villiers when RCB was a three-man the appointment of Mo Bobat and Andy Flower and Dinesh Karthik into the coaching staff changed the template, and it reflected in RCB's approach in the auction room in Rishabh Pant, KL Rahul and Shreyas Iyer some of the biggest names in contemporary Indian cricket were available to buy, and going by the past precedent, RCB would have broken their vault to acquire at least two of they focussed on value buys such as Josh Hazlewood , Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Krunal Pandya, Phil Salt , Suyash Sharma, Romario Shepherd and Tim of them have played important roles in RCB's wins this season to prove their worth - home and was clear that RCB wanted certain players to suit certain roles within the team, rather than purchasing players merely on their reputation."I think we got predominantly what we wanted in terms of playing personnel. But more importantly, with the actual shape of the team and the vision of that team that Andy and I spent so much time thinking about and talking about, we pretty much nailed that. And you get to see that come to life on the field," said Bobat, the RCB's director, in a acquisition of Salt offers the most palpable validation of those RCB was ready to let go Will Jacks, who had blitzed a 41-ball hundred against Gujarat Titans last year, for Salt, whom the coaching staff thought can produce big overs consistently plays the high-risk game, and has taken apart the biggest names in opposition ranks like Mitchell Starc (Delhi Capitals) and Pat Cummins (Sunrisers Hyderabad) to destroy their Salt has also produced those little cameos that made a big difference in the eventual outcome of the Royal Challengers needed a quick start while chasing an imposing 228 against Lucknow Super Giants, and a win was imperative for them to ensure a top-two English opener made 30 off 19 balls, helping Kohli milk 61 runs in just 5.4 overs and RCB did not let that early momentum slip the mentor who had a critical role in finalising the RCB auction pattern, explained the rationale behind selecting players like Salt."I thought we did beautifully in picking a very balanced squad, knowing what sort of players we want and which player would fit in which role. As we were picking the team, we used to put players in certain roles and see how they fit."We were very sure this is the kind of batting order we wanted. And in the auction prep as well, we had a few eleven as combinations, and in that, we had certain players, certain names in mind," said reflected even while picking up replacement for an injured player. The RCB management did not hesitate to draft in Mayank Agarwal when the in-form but injured Devdutt Padikkal was ruled out of this IPL management considered Agarwal's experience at this stage, and his ability to replicate the role Padikkal did this season for them, allowing the bigger hitters to do their job while keeping his end Karnataka batter also has a solid case for himself, racking up 179 runs from seven matches at a strike-rate of 153 at this season's Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy."The difference between this RCB squad and some of the ones that were picked previously are: the amount of experience through the 12 players, the strength and depth in batting," said did not disappoint either. He made an unbeaten 41 off 23 balls at a strike-rate of 178, while giving strong support to Jitesh Sharma (85, 33b, SR: 257) against unbroken 107-run stand for the fifth wicket gave RCB a remarkable six-wicket players have been part of several T20 competitions, and that experience meant that they needed minimal hand holding in a pressure acknowledged that fact. "And many leaders - not just one or two big names - but lots of leaders through the players that we had picked from auction," he a majority of these cricketers were first-time entrants to the RCB dressing room, and they had to be made to feel secure in a new was imperative because RCB handed the captain's armband to Rajat Patidar , a fine player but someone who does not command a similar stature as some others in the all accounts, the think-tank has done that coordination job to perfection and Patidar has now grown into an accepted and respected leader of the pack."For Andy and I, creating a sort of environment where people feel safe, where they feel backed, where they feel like they're accountable for their own decisions, and where they're able to hopefully showcase their strengths - that's the key bit," said they stand just one win away from their maiden IPL title and the 'Ee Sala Cup Namde' (This time the Cup is ours) tagline sounds much more realistic than in any previous seasons.
Dubai Eye
19 hours ago
- Sport
- Dubai Eye
Kohli closer to maiden IPL title as Bengaluru storm into final
Virat Kohli inched closer to a maiden Indian Premier League title after Royal Challengers Bengaluru thrashed Punjab Kings by eight wickets in a lopsided qualifier to reach the final of the 10-team tournament on Thursday. A superlative performance by their bowlers left Bengaluru needing only 102 to make Sunday's final and they reached the target in just 10 overs with opener Phil Salt, who made 56 not out, leading the charge. Punjab can still make the final if they can win the second qualifier against the winner of Friday's eliminator between Mumbai Indians and Gujarat Titans. Kohli made 12 but has been Bengaluru's leading scorer this season. The former India captain has been with the franchise since the inaugural 2008 edition of the league. Bengaluru reached the finals in 2009, 2011 and 2016 but were beaten on all three occasions. "It's a great feeling right now," Salt said. "Obviously we had a second bite at the cherry but it's such a good feeling to get that out of the way first time. "It just gives us that momentum. It's such a cliche but it's so true at the back end of the tournament." Bengaluru have looked formidable this season and electing to field, their fiery pace attack, led by a returning Josh Hazlewood, bundled out Punjab in 14.1 overs. Having recovered from a shoulder niggle, Hazlewood led Bengaluru's superb pace display as they reduced Punjab to 71-7 at the halfway stage of their innings. Hazlewood's (3-21) victims included rival skipper Shreyas Iyer, while Bhuvneshwar Kumar claimed the important wicket of Prabhsimran Singh, Punjab's leading scorer this season. Marcus Stoinis made 26 before losing his stumps to leg-spinner Suyash Sharma, who claimed 3-17 in his three overs. Kyle Jamieson removed Kohli in the fourth over but Bengaluru raced to 61-1 in their six powerplay overs, compared to Punjab's 48-4, with Salt hitting boundaries almost at will. Salt took 23 balls to bring up his fifty and skipper Rajat Patidar hit a six to seal Bengaluru's victory in a match that lasted only 24.1 overs.
Time of India
a day ago
- Sport
- Time of India
'RCB have won the IPL': Ex-star's bold prediction shocks fans
Image credit: BCCI/IPL NEW DELHI: Opener Phil Salt smashed a 23-ball fifty — his fastest in the Indian Premier League ( IPL ) — as Royal Challengers Bengaluru stormed into the final of the 2025 season with a dominant eight-wicket win over Punjab Kings in a lopsided Qualifier 1 at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium on Thursday. RCB's bowlers set up the emphatic victory, with Suyash Sharma and Josh Hazlewood picking up three wickets apiece to dismantle a star-studded PBKS batting line-up for just 101 runs in 14.1 overs. Salt then dazzled with a flurry of clean hits to finish unbeaten on 56 off 27 balls, steering RCB home with a staggering 10 overs to spare. Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW! With this win, RCB secured their fourth appearance in an IPL final, which will be played on June 3 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. Punjab Kings, meanwhile, still have a chance to make the title clash when they play Qualifier 2 on Sunday at the same venue, against the winner of the Eliminator. Following RCB's clinical win, former franchise pacer and legendary bowler Dale Steyn took to social media with an electrifying prediction. "Can you believe it?!?!?! RCB have won the IPL," Steyn wrote on his social media handle. Chasing a modest target of 102, Virat Kohli got off to a brisk start, pulling Arshdeep Singh for a boundary before glancing Kyle Jamieson for another. At the other end, Phil Salt capitalised on the extra bounce, dispatching Arshdeep for a four and a six. However, Kohli's innings was cut short in a wicket-maiden fourth over. Jamieson bowled a back-of-a-length delivery around the sixth stump that shaped away and took the outside edge, ending Kohli's stay. With the ball moving around, Jamieson troubled Mayank Agarwal by beating him three times in an over. On the fourth delivery, Agarwal was given out, but a successful DRS review reversed the decision. Salt steadied RCB's chase, cutting and steering Azmatullah Omarzai for a pair of boundaries. 'I don't want to be a one-season wonder': Punjab Kings' Shashank Singh Agarwal then played a fluent on-drive, while Salt followed it up with an elegant cover drive. He further punished Jamieson by pulling and lofting him for two fours and a six in the final over of the powerplay, which yielded 21 runs. RCB raced to 61/1 at the end of the powerplay. Salt continued his assault by clearing his front leg to hammer Harpreet Brar for a six, while Agarwal lofted and drove Musheer Khan for a six and a four. But Musheer struck back, breaking the 54-run partnership by getting Agarwal to feather an edge on the flick, which was well taken at slip. Salt remained undeterred and reached his fifty in just 23 balls, celebrating the milestone with a slash through point for four. From there, RCB's win was all but sealed. Captain Rajat Patidar joined the party, first driving Musheer for a boundary and then finishing the match in style with a powerful slog-sweep to seal a dominant victory — and a few well-earned days off — ahead of the final on June 3.
India Gazette
2 days ago
- Sport
- India Gazette
Phil Salt relishes IPL final spot with RCB after match-winning knock
Mullanpur (Punjab) [India], May 30 (ANI): Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) wicketkeeper-batter Phil Salt expressed his delight after helping his side secure a spot in the Indian Premier League (IPL) final. Speaking on JioHotstar following the team's dominant eight-wicket win over Punjab Kings in Qualifier 1 in Mullanpur, Salt reflected on the journey and the emotion of the moment. 'It's a great feeling,' Salt said. 'When you put so much in through the group stages -- everything you pour into the pot over a couple of months -- and then with the restart as well, to get the reward of going to a final is a great feeling,' he added. Salt played a crucial role in RCB's chase of 102, hammering a quickfire 56 off just 27 deliveries, laced with six boundaries and three towering sixes. His blistering knock took the game away from Punjab Kings (PBKS), setting the tone for a comfortable chase. Alongside Virat Kohli, who made a composed 12 off 12 balls, Salt stitched a 30-run opening partnership before accelerating the innings on his own. 'I knew that it was very much a case of: bat well, we win the game,' Salt noted. 'Myself and Virat were talking about almost playing it like a 50-over game -- a 50-over tempo -- and we'd get enough bad balls to score off,' he added. Last year, he was part of the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) squad that went on to win the title, although he had to depart for national duty before the playoffs and couldn't feature in Qualifier 1 and the Final. Despite his absence then, he had an impressive season with KKR and seems to have carried that momentum into this year's campaign with RCB. With 387 runs in 12 matches so far, Salt has been one of RCB's most consistent performers this season. Now, with a final appearance firmly in sight and this time, a chance to actually play in it, the Englishman will be eager to finish what he started and help RCB lift their maiden IPL title. (ANI)
