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.