De Villiers backs balanced RCB to break IPL duck as Bengaluru set to open campaign vs Kolkata

Team balance and Virat Kohli’s reassuring presence in the top order have convinced AB de Villiers that his former club Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) can win their maiden Indian Premier League (IPL) title this year.

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One of the league’s most glamorous sides often boasting some of the most explosive batters in the world, RCB made three finals but fell short on each occasion to remain an IPL under-achiever.

They will enter their 18th season under a new captain, Rajat Patidar, while Englishman Phil Salt will be Kohli’s opening partner.

"I really think they made some incredibly good moves in the (player) auction," De Villiers, who spent 11 seasons with RCB, told an online press conference on Tuesday.

"It’s an incredibly good, balanced team.

"Look at the batting lineup - it’s pure power, then a mix of power and control.

"I do feel this squad has got what it takes to go all the way."

Liam Livingstone, Jacob Bethell and Tim Da-vid beef up RCB’s middle order while Australia’s Josh Hazlewood will combine with the crafty Bhuvneshwar Kumar in the pace department.

De Villiers said Kohli had been subject of “unnecessary criticism” over his strike-rate and said the veteran batter had plenty to offer.