Ahead of the 13th VIVO IPL, 13 Kya Hoga Kohliya?

Question #1: How have RCB fared under Kohli?

The south side have been captained by Virat Kohli since the 2013 season. Since then, Royal Challengers Bangalore have managed to reach the play-offs only two times, while managing to qualify for the final only once from there. If that wasn’t all, then their failures in the last three seasons – two bottom-placed finishes – seal the deal for Virat Kohli.

He might be the best batsman in the world, but his leadership in the IPL has been a source of a lot of questions.

RCB-clad Virat Kohli

Question #2: How has Kohli grown as a captain in the time after World Cup and leading up to IPL?

India’s World Cup campaign saw them lose to New Zealand in the semi-final. The Indian captain has been calmer and clearer in his thought-process ever since.

For example, India had used a bunch of players for their number four role but couldn’t decide upon a single player. However, after the World Cup, Kohli backed Shreyas Iyer in the role and thus far, he has repaid Kohli’s faith brilliantly.

Despite some initial struggles, Kohli stuck with Iyer and it seems as though the classy right-handed batsman has sealed his place in the line-up. The Bangalore captain also showed immense faith in Rishabh Pant despite his inconsistent performances for over a year and it was only in the recent Australia tour that he decided to give someone else a chance ahead of the destructive south paw.

To conclude, it feels like Kohli is more patient with his players and planning than ever before.

The Indian captain, Virat Kohli

Question #3: 13 kya hoga Kohliya?

And the most important question ahead of the season is of how he will fare this year. This season, RCB have one of the strongest and most flexible teams in the competition. They can easily use four or five pacers in each game, while also deploying a commendable batting line-up as well as a strong spin-bowling department.

That said, it all comes down to how much conviction and faith Kohli will have in his own plans. Will he able to stick to his guns even if things don’t work in his favour? Or will he quickly change everything the moment his strategy goes awry?

All we can do, is wait until IPL to answer: 13 Kya Hoga Kohli-ya?

Another year with RCB in the IPL, all eyes on Virat Kohli