Dhoni, Pant and fading glory of our superstars

Already through to the playoffs, Royal Challengers Bengaluru will aim to secure a top-two league stage finish for the first time in nine years when they take on Sunrisers Hyderabad in their Indian Premier League clash here on Friday.

- Amrit Mathur

LUCKNOW:

RCB haven't finished inside the top two since the 2016 season when they signed off as runners-up eventually.

However, currently second on the table with 17 points from 12 games, victories in their remaining two matches could potentially lock a top-two spot.

Friday's fixture, originally a home game for the Bengaluru outfit, was shifted due to the onset of monsoon.

RCB was in red-hot form prior to the league's disruption due to the India-Pakistan military conflict and the side had strung together four consecutive wins.

But the momentum was halted by a washout in their first game after resumption. Following a 20-day break, it will be interesting to see whether they retain their rhythm and competitive edge.

Chasing an elusive IPL crown, RCB have managed one of their most consistent campaigns in recent memory.

The ever-reliable Virat Kohli has been in imperious form, scoring seven fifties in 11 innings and anchoring the top order with characteristic elegance.

Skipper Rajat Patidar, Tim David, and Romario Shepherd have complemented him well with timely bursts of power hitting.

That said, Patidar's form took a dip just before the break. After averaging 37.2 in his first five games, he managed only 53 runs in the next five at an average of 10.6.

A finger injury, sustained during the home clash against Chennai Super Kings, forced him into a splint. However, he has been batting freely in the nets once again in a promising sign for RCB heading into the business end.

With Rohit and Virat's retirement, two big wickets fell, and one unexpected fallout of their exit is Indian cricket's 'superstar culture' is nearing its expiry date.