IPL 2018: 4 reasons why Royal Challengers Bangalore are strong contenders for the title
Rarely do we come across a team that has been to the finals of a tournament thrice and failed to win it even once. Royal Challengers Bangalore, much to the chagrin of fans, have been the Indian Premier League's version of South Africa, invariably choking at the last stage.
They've ended the IPL as runners-up in 2009, 2011 and 2016, along with a semi-finals spot in 2010. However, in spite of good individual performances every year, the cohesion in the batting, bowling and fielding units of the side has been lacking, thus making the IPL title seem like an elusive one.
But can the RCB fans hope for some magic to happen in IPL 2018? Can RCB finally lay their hands on the coveted trophy of the glamorous league? Let's take a quick look at the four top reasons why RCB can emerge as the victors in IPL 2018.
#1 The firepower of Brendon McCullum
One of the biggest coups that the RCB team management has been able to accomplish in IPL 2018 is the inclusion of Brendon McCullum in the side. McCullum, who has been long hailed as a stalwart in T20 Cricket, is best remembered for scoring the first-ever IPL century (158*) in the very first game of the tournament, back in 2008 for the Kolkata Knight Riders.
His presence will not only provide the RCB side with greater confidence and an adrenaline boost in the most difficult of situations but also help them to compensate for the absence of the mighty Chris Gayle as an opener.