The great AB de Villiers stressed Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) have their eyes set on the elusive IPL title and they know the task ahead very precisely: reverse their fortunes and win three on the bounce.
This, including the all-important face-off with Delhi Capitals (DC) on Monday (November 1), the winner of which finishes second in the points table. RCB would then take on defending champions Mumbai Indians (MI) in the qualifier 1 and a victory there will seal their place in the final on November 10.
"The path to glory is clear—overcome DC and we finish in the top two, beat MI and we will secure a place in the IPL final, win the final and we will claim the elusive title," De Villiers wrote for Hindustan Times.
"We face three massive matches, and our strategy will be clear. First, amid all the nerves and tension on such occasions, it really helps if you can land the first punch, whether that means taking a few wickets in the powerplay or getting off to a flier with the bat; a strong start builds confidence and lays the platform for success."
"Second, we will be striving to get the basics right throughout and resist the temptation to try too much of the cute stuff; a solid all-round performance is required. Third, we will perform as a unit, playing for each other, backing each other," he added.
However, regaining momentum won't be easy at all, considering RCB will face DC after a three-game losing streak. De Villiers thinks the dramatic turnaround after winning 7 of their first 10 games shows the level of competition within the tournament. Something DC, who have themselves lost their last four games, will definitely agree with.
"We are focused on beating DC, nothing more and nothing less. Both teams appeared to be easing into the top four a week or so ago but DC have lost their last four matches and we have lost our last three games. In the blink of an eye, the chasing pack has caught up with the pace-setters, and everything is now up in the air," wrote De Villiers.
"Three matches can go very quickly. At RCB, we are not dwelling on the three games we have just lost. We are looking forward to the next three games, knowing we will be IPL champions if we win all three."
"We respect the competition and the opposition, but RCB have played some excellent cricket during this tournament and our team feels well balanced; if we can just find a bit of consistency when it really matters, we may yet be smiling at the end. Wherever you are watching, enjoy the drama," he signed off.
