Royal Challengers Bangalore was coming from a 21-run win in a high-scoring tie in Rajkot, when it took on Kolkata Knight Riders in the first-leg of their meeting. The ignominy it suffered in that match, and its winless streak ever since, is inexplicable. But it doesn’t matter, as all avenues of qualifying for the playoffs has been shut for RCB. However, a sweet revenge is possible, the slide can be arrested, and Virat Kohli can win again.
Kohli’s own numbers reflect mediocrity when compared with the statistical skyscrapers he constructed last season. Something special from Kohli’s willow might salve the morale of RCB.
Trying to stop Kohli, like he did in the first leg, will be Nathan Coulter-Nile, the six-foot-two Australian, who can disconcert batsmen with his pace and bounce. The wicket at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium mightn’t assist him as much as Eden Gardens did, but the psychological edge of wrecking RCB’s feared line-up he will have, when he steps out to do the same to it.
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