Key Points

Herschelle Gibbs and Tillakaratne Dilshan are rooting for Royal Challengers Bengaluru to finally secure their maiden IPL title. As the team prepares to take on Punjab Kings at Narendra Modi Stadium, both cricket legends express confidence in RCB's performance. Gibbs reminisces about the 2009 final where RCB fell short, yet feels optimistic about their chances this time. Dilshan extends his best wishes to Virat Kohli, hoping the trophy heads to Bengaluru, rewarding years of loyal fan support.

Key Points: Gibbs and Dilshan Champion RCB for Historic IPL Win

  • Gibbs hopeful for RCB's first IPL title against Punjab Kings
  • Dilshan extends wishes to Kohli for Bengaluru's victory
  • Punjab's challenge with Ponting and Iyer leading the charge
2 min read

Gibbs, Dilshan root for RCB to bring maiden IPL title to Bengaluru

Gibbs and Dilshan back RCB to clinch their first IPL title in Bengaluru.

"I think everybody who loves cricket would love to see RCB get at least one title. - Herschelle Gibbs"

By Vivek Prabhakar Singh, New Delhi, June 2

Former South African swashbuckler Herschelle Gibbs and ex-Sri Lankan captain Tillakaratne Dilshan have advocated for Royal Challengers Bengaluru to pip Punjab Kings and clinch their maiden Indian Premier League (IPL) title at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Tuesday.

RCB will enter familiar territory on Tuesday in the world's largest cricket stadium and hope to end its 18-year wait for its maiden IPL title. The Royal Challengers have stormed into the IPL final thrice (2009, 2011, 2016) and fumbled as many times, leaving them still in the hunt for their first elusive title.

"I'm backing RCB to chase down whatever Punjab, if they bat first, to chase it down. It will be a great spectacle, I'm sure. I think everybody who loves cricket would love to see RCB get at least one title. It's taken them forever," Gibbs told ANI on the sidelines of The Legen-Z T10 League.

In 2009, Gibbs represented the Deccan Chargers and orchestrated RCB's heartbreak with his dazzling 53* at the Wanderers Stadium. RCB decimated Punjab in Qualifier 1 to blaze its way into the final in a lopsided contest. However, unlike the previous encounter, Gibbs expects a "good spectacle" between both sides.

"I remember 2009 in South Africa when we played against them in the final at the Wanderers, and they came unstuck in that particular. That was the start of their woes. But anyway, like I said, it's going to be a good spectacle," he added.

Dilshan reiterated his previous stance about RCB's title success story and extended his best wishes to the franchise stalwart Virat Kohli to bring the trophy back to Bengaluru.

"I think they are performing well throughout the tournament. My wishes to Virat and the team. First IPL title to go to Bengaluru, and their fans are going to enjoy tomorrow night," Dilshan told ANI.

Bengaluru's opponent, Punjab Kings, will totter in uncharted territory, considering their sole appearance in the final 11 years ago. The dynamic duo of head coach Ricky Ponting and captain Shreyas Iyer have transformed Punjab into a run-producing machine and will need to get it working against Bengaluru's in-form side.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rahul K.
Finally RCB's time has come! After 18 years of heartbreaks, Kohli and team deserve this trophy. The way they played this season shows their determination. Punjab is strong but RCB has destiny on their side this time. #EeSaalaCupNamde 💪
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Priya M.
Interesting that Gibbs who broke RCB hearts in 2009 is now supporting them! Shows how much cricket lovers want to see RCB lift the cup. But let's not underestimate Punjab - their batting lineup is fire 🔥
A
Arjun S.
As a neutral fan, I just want a close match. Both teams have worked hard. Though I agree with Dilshan - Bengaluru fans have waited too long. That stadium will erupt if RCB wins!
S
Shweta R.
The pressure on RCB is immense. They've choked in finals before. Hope the team management is working on mental conditioning. Punjab has nothing to lose - that makes them dangerous opponents.
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Vikram J.
Win or lose, RCB has given us some unforgettable moments this season. But honestly, if they don't win now with this team, when will they? Punjab's bowling looks vulnerable - RCB should target them early.
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Neha P.
The whole country is behind RCB! Even Sri Lankan legend Dilshan supporting them shows how loved this team is. But let's appreciate Punjab too - they've been the underdogs who proved everyone wrong. May the best team win! 🏏

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