Despite having star players like AB de Villiers, Chris Gayle and Virat Kohli in their ranks Royal Challengers Bangalore haven’t been able to live up to expectations in the last seven editions of the Indian Premier League.
The two-time runners-up, though, are confident of turning it around in the ongoing eighth edition of the IPL.
"We have some experienced players like AB de Villiers, Mitchell Starc (out for three weeks), who have had a dream run in the World Cup. I'm very confident that we'll go far in the tournament and hopefully will win the IPL-8 title," said skipper Kohli, ahead his team’s opening match against Kolkata Knight Riders, in Kolkata, on Saturday.
"It's a lot of fun getting along with players like AB, Gayle and now Sammy. It's enjoyable out there in middle when you get to have partnerships with the guys that you usually play against. That's a small little challenge in itself."
He insisted that the team, whose best finish over the last seven editions is runners-up in 2009 and 2011, is in great shape and confident of winning the title this time.
"The team is looking in great shape; we have got some new players this year. The team is feeling really confident. We are focusing on our strengths. So far, after two days' of practice, the guys are looking in really good touch."
"We have played the final twice and on two occasions reached the semi-finals, but have not been able to go through."
Kohli feels that RCB is a popular franchise and the skipper attributes it to brand of cricket that the team plays.
"It's the kind of cricket that RCB plays. People enjoy watching our cricket and our team and they want to see RCB win the title. The focus is to lift the trophy but it's too far-fetched, so focusing on one at a time should be the way forward."
India’s Test captain said leading the IPL franchise is a lot easier than the national team.
"Captaining IPL team is not as difficult as national team. You have guys from all over the world; you don't need to tell the guys what to do. It makes the job easier to captain the guys who have led their respective countries. It's comparatively an easier job," said Kohli.
Like Rohit Sharma or VVS Laxman of an earlier era, Kohli also loves playing at the iconic Eden Gardens.
"I love playing here. I got my first International century here so it's special. It was pretty different how it played last year. It was great to see both bowlers and batsmen getting help from the wicket. It was pleasing to see Eden wicket playing as it used to some three-four years back."
Image: Royal Challengers Bangalore captain Virat Kohli presents a signed team jersey to Krishan Sachdev, MD, Carrier Midea India, Home Appliance Partner of the team.
