Like the Premier Indian League (IPL) Returns for its highly anticipated 18th edition, the buzz around Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) is as electrifying as ever. The franchise, known for its passionate fans base and its starred queues, has undergone significant changes before the 2025 edition. With a reworked team with an explosive strike order and a reinforced bowling attack, the RCB throws once again on the elusive IPL trophy.
IPL 2025: the role of Virat Kohli in hunting for RCB
Virat KohliRCB’s heart rate continues to be a central figure in the team’s ambitions. Despite his distance from international T20, his presence remains crucial, both as a drummer and as a leader in the locker room. Former RCB teammate AB de Villiers expressed his confidence that Kohli still has “a lot in the tank”, in particular with a solid range of strikers around him.
Kohli’s strike rate has been a subject of discussion in recent years, criticisms wondering if he can adapt to constantly evolving requests for T20 Cricket. However, De Villiers rejected these concerns, which suggests that although outside noise can influence any player, Kohli’s attention and commitment remain unwells.
“I think Virat has taken unnecessary criticism in recent seasons. I think he fights incredibly well. There is no doubt that part of the outside noise may have influenced it a little. We are all human, after all. There was a lot of outside noise in my play days that had an effect on me, not necessarily my performance, but you think about it. AB de Villiers said star sports hall.
Also read: RCB, Punjab Kings or Delhi Capitals! Who will win his very first IPL title in 2025?
AB de Villiers reveals Kohli’s request: more “Ee Sala Cup Namde”
Interestingly, De Villiers also shared a light but revealing anecdote on the famous RCB song – “Ee Sala Cup Namde”, which is reflected in “This year, the Cup is ours”, this slogan has become synonymous with the passionate fans of RCB, echoing in stadiums and social media campaigns. However, the sentence has also been considered by many as a Jinx, given the repeated failures of RCB to secure the title despite the closure in a distressful manner on several occasions.
De Villiers said that after having used the sentence nonchalantly in a conversation, he immediately received a message from Kohli, the pressing to refrain from saying it.
“Honestly, I said these words the other day and I received a direct message from Virat, and he said: Please stop doing it now. So I had a little problem. But to be just, I’m exhausted by saying all the time, that the trophy arrives this season. Guys, it’s IPL, it’s an incredible tournament to win a roof. De Villiers concluded.
Kohli, which is part of RCB’s trip since 2008, may want to avoid any unnecessary superstitions or pressure associated with singing. The team reached three IPL finals – in 2009, 2011 and 2016 – so as not to fail each time, leaving fans with a broken heart.
