2020 is the year of surprises and it unfolded a big surprise in Indian T20 League as well. Nobody would have ever thought that Dhoni’s Chennai will slip down to the bottom of the points table while Bangalore will rise to the occasion to be a part of the top three. The social media went crazy on various occasions to describe Bangalore’s debacle but things have changed. Bangalore is making it into the playoffs with an all-round performance display.
Why this season is so prominent for Bangalore? Mike Hesson’s side outclassed the opponents with its bowling which has been the weakest part from so many years. Nobody can forget Dhoni’s blistering knock at Chinnaswamy to pull off a chase, thanks to Siraj’s mediocre bowling in death. This season Siraj was the big boost to the side and his performance against Kolkata tells you a positive story about Bangalore’s bowling.
Apart from some loopholes in death, Bangalore improved in pace-bowling. Morris’ inclusion in the side gave the, a big relief. Navdeep Saini has also been a quality bowler for them in powerplay and death both. He bowled an exceptional super over against Mumbai to guide his side home.
Yuzvendra Chahal has been a big asset for Bangalore in last few years but he was missing a genuine spinner along with him who can support him in the spin. Adam Zampa was bought in the auction but the combination of four overseas players was giving a tough time to the skipper to pick him in XI. However, Washington Sundar delivered a big surprise this year to solve this issue. Kohli tried Sundar in the powerplay and he has been pretty economical to win the powerplay for Bangalore.
When we talk about Bangalore, ABD and Kohli come in our mind. Take it 2016, when Bangalore made into the playoffs and Kohli was the top scorer with 916 runs but it was a one-man show which couldn’t help Bangalore to win the maiden title. The triumph at the biggest T20 League in the world depends on team performance. Chennai and Mumbai have achieved glories with so many match-winners in the squad.
This year’s journey is not just about Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers but others who’ve stepped out to perform on the big stage. Domestic performer Devdutt Padikkal put on an excellent batting display with Aaron Finch in the opening slot. Padikkal accumulated 321 runs in 10 innings scoring three half-centuries. Parthiv Patel’s lack of power-hitting and the consistency was hurting Virat Kohli’s side but this new opening pair showcased a positive sign this year. Shivam Dubey and Gurkeerat Singh both grabbed the opportunities with a decent performance. Bangalore’s margin of victory signifies their confidence. They are almost in the race to take the place in the top two.
Mike Hesson constructed this Bangalore unit from a debacle and they rise from the ashes. The confidence from other players gave ABD and Kohli a free hand. Kohli aggregated 365 runs at an average of 60.83 and ABD scored 285 runs so far with a strike rate of 190, including 4 half-centuries. He also won a game against Rajasthan from a losing situation. The duo has been consistent with the bat throughout the tournament.
The journey to the maiden title starts from the playoffs and Bangalore has won this first battle by assuring their appearance in the playoffs this season. Their remaining matches will decide their position but Virat Kohli can cheer up with this team game. If everything goes in a similar way, you can find Virat Kohli with a trophy this year.
