Another thrilling clash in IPL Season 18 is upon us! It is Gujarat Titans (GT) vs Royal  Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) time. And when you think about it, there’s an intriguing  connection—RCB has been chasing their maiden title for 18 years, and their most iconic  player proudly wears the number 18. As a young franchise, GT have already lifted the IPL  trophy, while RCB is still chasing their first title. That contrast adds another layer of intrigue  to this contest. 

The buzz around Virat Kohli, his legacy as captain, and the unwavering passion of RCB’s  fan base make this story even more compelling. There’s something truly special about the  RCB supporters. And for me, stepping into Chinnaswamy Stadium is always an electrifying  experience. The energy, the deafening roar, and the sheer passion of the crowd make it one  of the most thrilling venues on the IPL calendar. 

For me, it’s always been about the bowling attacks—their structure, composition, and how  teams build them after the draft. A well-balanced bowling unit can make all the difference. 

Looking at RCB’s lineup, their attack is shaping up intriguingly. With Josh Hazlewood  leading the charge, Bhuvneshwar Kumar bringing his swing and experience, and Yash  Dayal adding a fresh dynamic, there’s plenty to watch. And with Krunal Pandya on the  move, things are getting even more interesting. 

And then there’s Liam Livingstone, adding another layer of balance to the squad. I really  like that because variety is key. At the end of the day, depth matters—you need players  who can step in when injuries strike and still deliver. 

Over the years, one thing has been clear—bowlers win you championships. They rise to the  occasion in crucial moments. While T20 cricket is often seen as a batter’s game,  dominated by towering sixes and 200-plus scores, having a strong bowling arsenal is just  as important. Whether it’s about defending a total, attacking to take wickets, or simply  stopping the opposition’s momentum, a well-rounded bowling unit is essential for  success. 

It’s really as simple as that. RCB has built a well-rounded squad with solid depth. 

Looking beyond the main XI, there are exciting options waiting in the wings. Someone like  Romario Shepherd—an impactful all-rounder—could be a game-changer if given the 

chance. The question is, when will he get his opportunity? And if injuries arise, can he step  up? 

Then there’s Lungi Ngidi, a proven South African strike bowler, adding more firepower to  their attack. With this kind of depth, RCB has plenty of weapons to call upon when needed. RCB have a well-balanced squad, especially when it comes to their bowling arsenal. And  that sets up a fascinating battle against the Gujarat Titans’ batting lineup. 

With players like Shubman Gill, Jos Buttler, Sai Sudharsan, and Sherfane Rutherford in the  middle order, Gujarat will be banking heavily on these star batters to deliver. The clash  between their batting firepower and RCB’s bowling attack promises to be a thrilling  contest. 

These match-ups are always fascinating. One key question is Jos Buttler’s role—will he  open the innings, or will Gujarat use him differently? Time will tell how they approach that. 

Then there’s Rashid Khan—his impact with both ball and bat could be crucial for the  Gujarat Titans. When you look at the contest, Rashid will be a key factor. If he finds his  rhythm with the ball, his battle against RCB’s top order becomes even more exciting. 

Of course, all eyes will be on Virat Kohli, but RCB’s batting firepower goes beyond him.  With Phil Salt, Devdutt Padikkal, Rajat Patidar, they have a formidable lineup. And when it  comes to finishing, Tim David provides the perfect counter to Gujarat’s Sherfane  Rutherford, making both teams equally dangerous in the death overs. 

This is set to be a thrilling showdown, especially on a ground with short boundaries. If the  pitch is flat and offers good pace, we could be in for a high-scoring spectacle. 

We’ve seen it before—just a couple of seasons ago, an IPL match here saw scores pushing  270, with the game going down to the wire. That’s the kind of drama this venue can  produce. 

In such contests, bowlers need more than just skill; they need tenacity. The ones who step  up, embrace the challenge, and demand the ball in crunch moments are the ones who  make the difference. 

With two powerhouse teams going head-to-head, this promises to be an unmissable clash.  I can’t wait!