RCB might finally be able to win the IPL trophy this year: Lance Klusener

The league stage of the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) culminated on Friday (October 8) with Delhi Capitals (DC), Chennai Super Kings (CSK), Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) making it to the playoffs. Of the above-mentioned teams, only DC and RCB are yet to win a title. DC made it to the finals of the 2020 edition but fell short in the end losing to Mumbai Indians (MI).

Meanwhile, RCB have made it to the playoffs yet again after the last year. But this season, they have done so with two games to spare. RCB have put on a dominating performance throughout the 14 matches and have displayed consistency. In the 13 editions that have gone by, RCB have made it to the finals three times but haven’t got over the line.

Former South African cricketer Lance Klusener, who currently is also the head coach of the Afghanistan cricket team, believes that RCB might finally win their maiden trophy.

“I would like RCB to win their first title. Honestly, I really would love to see them lifting the title. I always find it mind-boggling how Virat, AB, and the same team have never been able to get over the line. I always find that difficult to understand. My feeling is that this will be the year that RCB will finally be able to lift the title,” Klusener told Times of India.

RCB march along to the playoffs

RCB won their last league game of the ongoing IPL beating DC by seven wickets in an absolute thriller of the game. Needing 15 off the last over, wicketkeeper-batter Srikar Bharat held his composure against Avesh Khan and dispatched the ball over long-on to finish the game off with a six.

The game seemed gone for RCB when they had lost the top-order in a run-chase of 165. But as has been the story for them this year, different players have stepped up to win the matches for the team.

This time it was the turn of Bharat and he didn’t disappoint as he scored a timely unbeaten 78 off just 52 balls. He was well-supported by Glenn Maxwell, who scored an unbeaten 51 off 33 balls.  RCB ended the league stage on 18 points and will now face KKR in the eliminator on Monday (October 11).