RCB can win it this year, says Kaif

New Delhi, May 14: Former India cricketer Mohammad Kaif gave his take on the chances of Virat Kohli winning the IPL title this year, saying Royal Challengers Bengaluru have been in scintillating form this year, and with their best all-round side, the Bengaluru-based franchise will definitely lift their maiden title. In the current season, RCB are placed second with 16 points and one win away from securing their place in the playoffs. Meanwhile, Virat Kohli, who entered the tournament on the back of the Orange Cap-winning 2024 season (741 runs), is currently placed fourth in the list of most run-getters this season with 505 runs, just six runs shy of the top-placed Surya Kumar Yadav (510 runs).

"If we talk about RCB as a team, they have been fantastic. I am emphasising the word ‘team’ because they have always been a batting-heavy team; they used to have the mindset of outsourcing their opponents. But this time Rajat Patidar has done a fantastic job of using his bowlers, restricting opponents while defending 170-180.

"Kohli has continued doing what he does best; his bat is never silent during the IPL, but the bowlers have given them the belief that they can win. The team with the best all-round side usually has the best chance, so I do believe they can win it this year," Kaif told IANS.