From memes to champs, the Red loyalists rejoice

The right choice of personnel and excellent execution saw Royal Challengers Bengaluru finally savour IPL success in its 18th edition

- Rasesh Mandani

AHMEDABAD: T20s and endurance may sound paradoxical, but no IPL title is won without being ready for a long haul. More so when you throw in numerous complexities, from player availability, form and fitness with many of them punishing their bodies with all-format workloads. Add the unexpected momentum-breaker due to the week-long suspension this year, and RCB should be truly proud of their winning campaign. If 2024 was their turnaround season where they conjured up magic with a string of late wins to make the playoffs, this year was one of absolute dominance.

Salt-Kohli partnership The signs were there in the very first game against Kolkata Knight Riders when Phil Salt's aggression (SR 180) allowed Virat Kohli (SR 163) to ease into his innings. Show intent but play strokes where he could hold his shape. It's a template the two openers maintained for the rest of the tournament, except for a brief spell when Salt was unwell and young English batter Jacob Bethell replaced him. The secret to Kohli's T20 longevity has revolved around the maverick players who have batted around him. It was Chris Gayle and AB de Villers in the past. To his credit, Salt's 403 runs (SR176) to Kohli's 657 runs (SR 145) was just the ideal mix RCB sought from their openers.