31 May,2026 09:28 AM IST | Bengaluru | R Kaushik
RCB’s Virat Kohli during his 49 against LSG in Bengaluru last month
Having taken 18 seasons to break their duck, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have embarked on an obsessive mission to make up for lost time. Twelve months after wrapping their hands around the IPL trophy for the first time, the most passionately supported franchise is within one victory of retaining the crown, fuelled by a collective push with two familiar names in the forefront.
The myth that T20 cricket is a young man's game has been comprehensively exploded over the years, but seldom has the value of seasoned experience been more evident. RCB have had numerous heroes in their march to the May 31 final in Ahmedabad, but two individuals have stood out as much for their iridescent execution of their skills as for their leadership qualities.
RCB pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar during their win over MI at the Wankhede Stadium last month. Pics/IPL
Skipper Rajat Patidar is extremely fortunate to be able to fall back on the expertise of Virat Kohli and Bhuvneshwar Kumar, two completely contrasting personalities united by professional pride, burning passion and a sustained quest for excellence.
Virat has hit 600 runs
Kohli, 37, has been the team's engine room, his energy, athleticism and intensity lifting those around him. The runs have flowed mellifluously off his scything willow, 600 of them made with panache, elegance, authority and dominance. Not only is he his team's highest run-maker, he has also made those runs at a rapid strike-rate (164.38), which is a massive improvement on his overall T20 career strike-rate (135.71). Easily the fittest in the franchise, Kohli's running between the wickets and electric fielding are shining examples of commitment, and the vim with which he celebrates an opposition wicket speaks to the competitive streak that time has done little to diminish.
Bhuvi has picked 26 wickets
Bhuvneshwar, on the other hand, isn't given to histrionics. He's the definition of âno-fuss', of quietly getting the job done, of letting his bowling do the talking. At 36, he's doing the same things he did a decade back - using the new ball to devastating effect, nipping it here, swinging it there, and then coming back towards the end of the innings to keep a lid on the scoring and pick up vital wickets.
A decade after first donning the Purple Cap for the most wickets in a season, two-time winner Bhuvneshwar is on course to reprise his heroics of 2016 and 2017. Ahead of the final, he sits behind Kagiso Rabada (28) with 26 scalps at an economy of eight runs an over. He has pulled Josh Hazlewood, Rasikh Salam, Krunal Pandya and Suyash Sharma along, emerging as the bowling equivalent of Kohli.
21
No of wins for RCB in 31 matches since 2025
