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Bangalore (Source: twitter)
The Indian T20 League is set to start on March 31 as MS Dhoni-led Chennai will take on Hardik Pandya’s Gujarat. The defending champions will face Chennai at the iconic Narendra Modi stadium in the first game of season 16.
However, ahead of the tournament, teams and fans have started their preparations for the two-month-long cricketing fest. Meanwhile, a stat has amazed Bangalore fans as their expectations for the trophy shoot up.
Bangalore, who has been one of the most star-studded teams in the history of the Indian T20 League, has failed to win any trophy in the last fifteen years. However, they have been the most consistent team in the last three years. They are the only team to qualify for the playoffs in all three previous seasons. They are also one of the most successful teams in the last two years as they have clinched 17 wins in the tournament, which is the most by any team.
These stats once again have increased the hopes of the fans of the franchise for the trophy. Their expectations are being supported by the recent performance of the players. Former skipper Virat Kohli, Glen Maxwell, and captain Faf du Plessis have hammered a lot of runs in recent times. They will be looking to replicate their form in The Indian T20 League to complete the quest for the maiden trophy in the cash-rich league.
Will Bangalore miss Hazelwood?
Faf du Plessis and co are set to lock horns with Rohit Sharma’s Mumbai in their first game of the tournament on April 2 at the M Chinnaswamy stadium. Almost after three years, Bangalore will make their comeback on home ground as strict COVID rules are no longer applicable in the tournament. Ahead of the game, Bangalore is in deep trouble as two of their most important players are set to miss the first part of the league.
Australian pacer Josh Hazelwood and opener Rajat Patidar are doubtful to start for the team. Both of the players are suffering from an injury and will take more time to rehab. Hazelwood would have been key in the bowling attack for Bangalore. The team will now need to figure out some of the other options to start within the game.
Reece Topley and David Willy are the foreign options for the franchise while pacers Mohammed Siraj and Harshal Patel are certain in playing XI. The team will also need to find an opening partner for Faf who can lead from the front in absence of Patidar. Meanwhile, fans react to their stats from the last three years and ask the team to bring the cup home. A Twitter user said, “Great… But win the trophy.”
Here are some Tweets:
RCB has also won most hearts and kidneys in past 15 years ❤️
— Sanat Prabhu (@TheCovertIndian) March 27, 2023
What about trophy 🏆
— Dr Khushboo 🇮🇳 (@khushbookadri) March 27, 2023
RCB has improved a lot in the last 2 seasons but still they are missing something to win the trophy.
— Vibinraj (@vibin1021) March 27, 2023
Ee saala cup namde
— Krishna 🚲 (@iIIusi0nistt) March 27, 2023
RCB in last 15 seasons pic.twitter.com/OsedaD8zAA
— . (@PullShot_ForSix) March 27, 2023
— Tathagat Harsh (@tathagat_harsh) March 27, 2023
— NaraYan 🇮🇳 (@iamcricketfan07) March 27, 2023
Lekin Bhai
— Samrat (@samratsp3) March 27, 2023
Trophy kidhar hai pic.twitter.com/MDamqXiVpk
— Sujeeth #OG (@ButtonCm) March 28, 2023
Again the onus on RCB to make playoffs relevant.. MI and CSK don't have a squad to qualify in a 10 team season
— Sachin Tendulkar Perumal (@sachintendulpbe) March 27, 2023