Former India cricketer and coach Ravi Shastri has said that this IPL 2022 will see a new champion and picked one team that he thinks will surely make it into the playoffs of the tournament.

That team is the Faf du Plessis-led Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), who are currently occupying the sixth spot in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2022 points table with six points from five games. They have won three games while they have suffered two losses and the franchise will next square off against Delhi Capitals on Saturday evening.

Shastri, while talking on Star Sports, praised RCB and the captaincy of Faf du Plessis.

Shastri said: "I believe we will see a new champion this season. Royal Challengers Bangalore are on a roll in this IPL and they are definitely going to make it to the playoffs. They are getting hotter and hotter as the tournament is progressing. They are looking in a good space. They are getting better and better with every game."

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Shastri also said that experienced players like du Plessis, Virat Kohli, and Glenn Maxwell will play an important role for the franchise this season.

"Virat has been doing well, Glenn Maxwell is back with the side, and we all know how destructive he can be with the bat. He's capable of taking the spinners to the cleaners and will be important from RCB's perspective as the tournament progresses. And then, Faf being their leader is a big bonus for them," said Shastri.

RCB had lost their last match to CSK by 23 runs on Tuesday, April 12.