Royal Challengers Bengaluru are finding their rhythm at just the right time in IPL 2024. As they gear up for a crucial showdown against Delhi Capitals, all eyes are on Virat Kohli’s impressive transformation against spin, a former weakness that now looks like a strength.

Virat Kohli’s Mastery Over Spin Sparks RCB’s Turnaround

RCB’s spin-bowling coach Malolan Rangarajan isn’t surprised by Kohli’s evolution. Speaking ahead of the high-stakes game, Malolan described Kohli as a “genius” who doesn’t need extra reps against left-arm or leg-spin to stay dominant. His strike rate against left-arm spin, once a concern at 119.79 in IPL 2023, has surged to 146.15 this season.

“It wasn’t just Virat last year who wasn’t firing. It was a team-wide issue,” Malolan said, emphasizing that RCB’s collective realization sparked their dramatic turnaround from bottom dwellers to playoff contenders. Meanwhile, Kohli’s 392 runs at an average of 65.33 place him second on the season’s scoring charts, proving his adaptability and hunger are as sharp as ever.

Anchors in T20 Cricket? RCB Has a Different Playbook

When asked about the relevance of traditional anchors in modern T20 cricket, Malolan offered a fresh perspective. “We don’t look at it as needing an anchor. It’s about assessing the situation and adapting quickly,” he explained, noting how scores are soaring past 200 more frequently in today’s games, making rigid roles outdated.

At venues like Chinnaswamy, where batting conditions have been trickier this season, RCB is embracing flexibility. Players like Phil Salt and Virat Kohli have been key to shifting the momentum whenever opportunities arise, demonstrating that aggression often outweighs caution in the new era of T20 cricket.

RCB’s Winning Formula: Team Spirit and Bold Batting

Notably, Malolan praised Kohli’s mindset: “The way Virat approaches every training session and match is unbelievable.” According to him, Kohli’s success against spin isn’t about grinding more hours in the nets but about making tactical decisions at the crease—a reflection of both experience and relentless pursuit of improvement.

As the business end of the season heats up, RCB’s surge, fueled by renewed confidence and smart cricket, could pose a real challenge to their rivals. With market trends showing rising fan engagement and a buzzing atmosphere around the Nifty of IPL teams, Bengaluru’s resurgence is one of the standout stories of the year.