The IPL 2024 season, slated to get underway on March 22 with the CSK versus RCB clash at Chepauk, will mark Virat Kohli’s return to competitive action after an extended break.
Notably, Kohli has been out of action since the home T20I series against Afghanistan in January. He opted out of the entire five-match Test series against England, citing personal reasons.
On the eve of the IPL 2024 opener, RCB’s director of cricket Mo Bobat said that Kohli’s physical and mental freshness augurs well for the franchise this season.
“We all know he is an absolute champion cricketer. He is coming in fresh, which is what we are excited about,” Bobat told reporters on Thursday (March 21).
“Good little bit of a time off from cricket; he is in a great frame of mind. He has had a good family time and is fresh with energy.
“He is looking forward to getting involved (in the season). He has been practising for the last few days and has been hitting the ball brilliantly,” he added.
Ahead of the season, many experts have expressed concerns over RCB’s bowling attack, calling it inexperienced. However, Bobat dismissed such talks.
The franchise has six bowlers in its ranks who have the experience of playing international cricket and they are Alzarri Joseph, Lockie Ferguson, Reece Topley, Mohammed Siraj, Karn Sharma and Akash Deep.
On the other hand, the likes of Vijaykumar Vyshak, Yash Dayal, Rajan Kumar, Mayank Dagar, Swapnil Singh and Himanshu Sharma are fairly inexperienced.
“I don’t believe we have an inexperienced attack. Our overseas bowlers have a lot of international and IPL experience. The Indian quicks also have decent IPL experience, while in the spin department, we have a lot of potential in Himanshu Sharma and Mayank Dagar. Also, Karn Sharma has a lot of experience.
“We are very happy with our squad and what we have. We did a lot of work during the auction,” Bobat stated.
The Chepauk surface is known for assisting the spinners but RCB’s director of cricket said that regardless of the surface, it will be vital for the team to play to its strengths.
“We know the history of the surface. We know what it’s like here and what sort of things are favourable in these conditions. We will have a look at the wicket again tomorrow.
“It’s always the case of balancing your strengths with the conditions in front of you. We know our strengths and possess a strong bowling attack,” he remarked.
Bobat, who is into his first year as RCB’s director of cricket, made it clear that the franchise will not be bogged down by its 16-year history of not winning an IPL title.
“It’s my first year, and I’m not laid down with the side’s 16-year history. RCB has a very rich history, and it is our time and opportunity to go out and play,” Bobat said.
“We have a fantastic group of players. There are no concerns, and we have a fully fit squad. So, have to make the most of this opportunity in front of us.
“We will try to win the trophy at this stage. We want to play the way we want to play tomorrow and all the 14 league matches.”
Asked if RCB’s recent WPL triumph will be an inspiration for the side, he said IPL is a different event altogether.
“It’s a great achievement from the women’s team. We had been watching them play, and it was both exciting and nervous at the same time. So, all credit to the women’s team for what they have achieved.
“But, we don’t think too much about it since it is a different competition. However, we hope to have both the trophies, which would be a nice thing for us,” Bobat signed off.
(With PTI Inputs)
