As long as MS Dhoni is with CSK, RCB won't come close to IPL trophy: Rashid Latif advises Ahmed Shahzad

Only two teams, the Royal Challengers Bangalore and the Punjab Kings, have yet to secure an IPL title despite being a part of the tournament since its inception in 2008. While Punjab Kings may not have as much pressure, the lack of a trophy for RCB is surprising given their star-studded lineup and massive fan base. Former Pakistan opener Ahmed Shehzad recently proposed a solution to RCB's trophy drought. Shehzad suggested that the addition of pacer Mohammad Amir to the team could be the missing piece needed for RCB to finally clinch the coveted IPL title. Shehzad believes that with Amir in their squad, RCB has the potential to emerge victorious in the tournament.

Shehzad's comments came in a GEO TV show which also had Amir and former Pakistan keeper Rashid Latif, who said RCB should not even think of laying their and on the IPL trophy till MS Dhoni playing for CSK.

"If Amir plays for RCB, they could win the IPL title," said Shehzad.

"Till MS Dhoni is there in CSK, don't even think RCB can touch the IPL trophy." replied Latif.

Realistically, it is not possible for Amir to play for any IPL franchise, let alone the RCB as Pakistani players are not allowed in the tournament. Dhoni, whose retirement from the IPL has been doing the rounds for the last three seasons of the IPL, was retained for next few seasons by CSK.

AB de Villiers backs Virat Kohli to do well in IPL 2025

RCB will kickstart their campaign against defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) on March 22 at Eden Gardens in Kolkata under new captain Rajat Patidar. They would be looking to win their first IPL title, which would mean a lot for Virat, who has been a part of the franchise since 2008, the year when league started.

Speaking exclusively on JioHotstar, AB recalled the criticism Virat received for his strike rate in the initial stages of the competition, calling it "ridiculous".

"The scrutiny over Virat's strike rate was absolutely ridiculous. He had done exactly what his team needed from him. It is all about the situation. When he has someone at the other end he trusts, you see him experiment and play with more freedom. But when that's not the case, he stays true to his natural game--anchoring the innings when needed," said AB on JioHotstar.

In the first six matches of the season, Virat scored 319 runs at an average of 79.75, with a century and two fifties, but his strike rate of around 141 generated immense criticism from fans and experts who felt that his more cautious approach, especially against spin, held RCB back.

However, Virat responded back with immense improvements against spin, utilisation of slog sweep against them and hitting more sixes. In next nine matches, he scored 422 runs at an average of 52.75, with three half-centuries. However, his strike rate skyrocketed to around 166, marking a massive improvement. He ended the season with 38 sixes, on par with his best season of 2016 season, when he scored 952 runs with four centuries and seven fifties. His attacking approach played a key role in RCB turning a new leaf in their campaign after just one win in first eight matches, winning the next six on bounce to make it to the playoffs, where they lost to Rajasthan Royals (RR) in the eliminator.

He finished with the Orange Cap for most runs last season, with 741 runs in 15 matches at an average of 61.75, strike rate of 154.69, a century and five fifties.

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