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Former South Africa great AB de Villiers has commended Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) for kicking off their Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 campaign with back-to-back wins in the initial two matches. After beating Chennai Super Kings (CSK) by 50 runs at the MA Chidambaram Stadium on March 28, Bengaluru breached the Yellow Army’s fortress as the 2016 runners-up had never won any game against the five-time champions at the Chepauk Stadium from 2009 to 2024. Earlier, Bengaluru hammered defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) by seven wickets at the iconic Eden Gardens in the opening game, held on March 22.
Former RCB stalwart de Villiers remarked that Bengaluru’s current squad is much better than those of the previous editions. "The balance of the RCB squad is 10 times better compared to previous seasons. At the (IPL) auction (last year), I spoke about RCB needing balance. It's not about the bowlers, batters or fielders... it's about having a sound balance in IPL teams and options," said de Villiers on his podcast ‘AB de Villiers 360'.
Impressed by Bengaluru’s victories, de Villers also said this is the best start they ever had in the league. He stressed on RCB’s balanced team’s intrepid approach in away matches. "Great start for RCB and it really is looking good. We are not going into the space of, 'Is this the year (RCB will win the IPL)?' "But I do believe this is the best start RCB have ever had, not only from the results point of view but also from the way the squad looks and how free they look out there especially playing away from home," added the former South Africa great.
Virat Kohli will have to be back in rhythm
RCB had moments of joy after beating CSK at the Chepauk Stadium but they will be anxious about their batting legend Virat Kohli’s performance in the game. On Chennai’s batting-friendly turf, Kohli struggled to accumulate runs at a swift pace. He faced 30 balls in the game and scored only 31.
Following Kohli’s lethargic innings, his critics came heavily on him. In the past, Kohli has faced ire for his slow batting style in T20 cricket. However, the RCB team management will keep faith in their oldest stalwart who has delivered numerous match-winning knocks to the side.
