IPL 2020: Not winning title does add pressure, says RCB chairman Sanjeev Churiwala

Royal Challengers Bangalore are one of the three teams in Indian Premier League (IPL) who are yet to win the title and its chairman Sanjeev Churiwala says the title drought does put pressure on the owners.

Royal Challengers Bangalore have reached the final on 3 occasions but their performances in the recent past has been far from impressive. Under Virat Kohli, RCB made the final in 2016 but has finished at the bottom twice since. In the 2019 edition, RCB finished last with just 5 wins from 14 matches.

“Performance is something that motivates us and drives all of us. We have been three times in the finals, (but) never lifted the trophy. It does add pressure.There’s no doubt about it. But there is also learning every time,” Sanjeev Churiwala was quoted as saying by ESPNCricinfo.

“Our last two performances (seasons) has not been really upto the mark, but otherwise by and large it was not something that we should be really concerned about.”

RCB made sweeping changes to their coaching unit as former coach Gary Kirsten and assistant coach Ashish Nehra were let go off. Former New Zealand coach Mike Hesson took over as the Director of Cricket while former Australian opener Simon Katich was roped in as the head coach.

‘We all love to be associated with Virat’

Simon Katich had said after he took over as the head coach that Virat Kohli would continue to be the captain of RCB and chairman Sanjeev Churiwala has reiterated it. Churiwala said RCB are ‘very, very proud’ to be associated with the India captain.

“Virat is the Indian captain. And has the highest fan-followers. We all love Virat and love to be associated with Virat,” Churiwala said.

“Look, this is what (the) game is: sometimes you lose, sometimes you win, but let’s not forget what that individual is and what kind of track record he has. As RCB, as an RCB owner, we are very, very proud that Virat is associated with us.”

Having secured the likes of Australia captain Aaron Finch, Chris Morris and Dale Steyn at the auction, RCB head into the season with a ‘better squad’ and ‘very clear preparation’, according to Churiwala.

IPL 2020 will be held in the UAE from September 19 to November 10 and RCB will be hoping for a change of fortunes this year.

“… we are very confident that at least we are going this time with a better squad, very clear preparations, very meaningful team. Rest let the team perform and deliver before we can speak more,” Churiwala said.