Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) have yet to win an IPL title, but fans are hopeful for a breakthrough in the 18th season. Former cricketer AB de Villiers has now suggested an intriguing strategy—making Virat Kohli the "batting captain" for the season. According to de Villiers, Kohli should take charge of RCB’s batting lineup and ensure stability in the order. He emphasized that Virat’s leadership in this role could prevent batting collapses and help the team play smart cricket.

‘Virat Should Play with Freedom’

De Villiers believes that Virat Kohli should focus on controlling the game while playing with freedom. The inclusion of explosive batsmen like Phil Salt, Liam Livingstone, Tim David, and Romario Shepherd will ease the pressure on Kohli, allowing him to play more naturally. Kohli’s strike rate has been a topic of debate in the past two IPL seasons, but with these aggressive players in the squad, he won’t have to bear the burden of accelerating the run rate alone.

External Pressure Has Affected Kohli

De Villiers pointed out that external criticism and scrutiny have influenced Kohli in recent seasons. However, he praised Kohli’s ability to focus when it matters most. "He is human, and doubts do creep in. But his greatest strength is that he shuts out distractions when it truly counts," said de Villiers.

New Captain, New Approach

With Faf du Plessis no longer leading RCB, Rajat Patidar has taken over as captain. De Villiers advised Patidar to lead with confidence and not try to replicate Kohli or du Plessis’ leadership styles. Instead, he suggested that Patidar should rely on experienced figures like Kohli and head coach Andy Flower for guidance.

RCB’s Strengths and Weaknesses

De Villiers acknowledged RCB’s strong and well-balanced squad but highlighted the absence of a game-changing spinner as a potential weakness. He noted that Krunal Pandya’s all-round abilities add depth, but the team still lacks an X-factor spinner.

Scheduling Challenges Ahead

One of RCB’s biggest hurdles this season will be their travel-heavy schedule, with frequent home and away matches. De Villiers pointed out that navigating these logistical challenges will be crucial for the team’s success.

Despite these challenges, de Villiers remains optimistic about RCB’s chances. He believes that with the right strategy and execution, RCB could finally secure their maiden IPL title.