Yuvraj is going to be the X-factor for RCB this IPL, says skipper Virat Kohli

Virat Kohli and Yuvraj Singh in Dubai (Image courtesy @RCBtweets)

A 10-odd-day break after the World T20 disaster has helped under fire Indian all-rounder Yuvraj Singh gain his confidence, and the 32-year-old seems to be enjoying his time with the Royal Challengers Bangalore, skipper Virat Kohli said on the eve of their first match in IPL 2014.

Earlier this month, Yuvraj’s failure in the final of the World T20 resulted in much criticism and even led to some disgruntled fans stoning his home. However, a brief break and time with the Royal Challengers squad seems to have brought the excitement back for Yuvraj.

“Yuvraj is very happy playing for the Royal Challengers. He is very happy with the kind of environment which is there in the squad… He is loving it. I have spoken to him personally as well and he is excited to go out there and perform,” Kohli was quoted by Telegraph on the eve of their match against Delhi Daredevils in Sharjah. “I feel he is going to be the X-factor for RCB this season,” he added.

Kohli said he’s happy with the bonding this new look side has undergone over the past few days. “It is a new phase for RCB, there are only few players from last year who are in the team and there are a lot of new players. The guys have gelled pretty quickly and it is a relaxed environment. I am really excited to have all these new faces in the team and looking forward to this season. I have a strong feeling that we are going to do well in this season and I hope we go a few steps further.”

A huge advantage for RCB would be the absence of Delhi’s skipper Kevin Pietersen, the realisation of which was not lost on Kohli.

“Kevin is a very dangerous player… It would be an advantage for us that he won’t be playing the game… We know how destructive he can be,” he said.

The match commences 6:30 pm local and 8:00 pm IST.