Pakistan’s Mohammad Amir Picks His Favourite IPL Team And A Player He Admires Most

The 2025 edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) is rapidly entering its crucial phase, and the competition for a spot in the playoffs is growing fiercer by the day. Teams are battling it out to secure their place in the top four, with every match bringing a new wave of excitement. Among the franchises making a strong push for the playoffs is Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), currently sitting at the 4th spot on the points table. The team, captained by Rajat Patidar and bolstered by the ever-consistent Virat Kohli, has managed to find a rhythm after a mixed start to the season. But the big question is: Could 2025 be the year RCB finally clinches the long-awaited IPL title?

RCB’s Current Position: In the Hunt for Glory

RCB’s 2025 campaign has been a mix of highs and lows, but the team has managed to settle into a groove as they head into the business end of the tournament. With 10 points from eight matches and a net run rate of +0.472, RCB is right in the middle of the playoff race. Their batting, once seen as a potential weakness, has grown in confidence, with key players stepping up to the challenge. Their bowling, too, has been impressive, showcasing both experience and new talent.

The Rajat Patidar Factor

Rajat Patidar, who has stepped up to lead the team in the absence of regular captain Faf du Plessis for some matches, has played a pivotal role in RCB’s fortunes in 2025. Patidar’s leadership has brought a fresh perspective to the team, and his composed style has been instrumental in keeping the squad balanced during pressure situations. While Virat Kohli continues to be the anchor of the batting lineup, Patidar has provided much-needed support in the middle overs, ensuring that RCB has the depth to chase down tough targets or defend substantial totals.

Virat Kohli’s Consistency: A Pillar of RCB’s Batting Line-up

No conversation about RCB would be complete without mentioning Virat Kohli. The Indian batting legend remains the cornerstone of RCB’s success, consistently performing under pressure and leading the charge with the bat. In 2025, Kohli has continued to defy age and expectations. His elegant stroke play and ability to build innings have made him a standout performer for the team, and his leadership, even when not captaining, remains a key asset for RCB.

In one of his standout performances this season, Kohli scored an unbeaten 73 runs against Punjab Kings, propelling RCB to a crucial win. This innings was particularly special as it marked his 67th fifty-plus score in the IPL, a testament to his longevity and consistency in the tournament. With the weight of RCB’s batting on his shoulders, Kohli has made it clear that he is determined to lead his team to glory.

Mohammad Amir’s Heartfelt Praise for RCB

In the midst of RCB’s pursuit of their first-ever IPL title, former Pakistan pacer Mohammad Amir has thrown his support behind the team. In a recent interview with Samaa Sports, Amir revealed that RCB is his favorite IPL franchise, and much of that admiration comes from his respect for Virat Kohli. Amir, who has shared numerous on-field battles with Kohli, acknowledged that Kohli deserves to win the IPL Trophy after years of near-misses.

“RCB is my favourite IPL team because of Virat Kohli. Virat is my favourite player. And Virat deserves to win the IPL Trophy,” said Amir. This public endorsement from one of cricket’s most feared bowlers is a reflection of the mutual respect Kohli has earned from opponents and colleagues alike. Amir’s sentiments echo those of countless cricket fans, who are hoping that 2025 could be the season when Kohli finally gets his hands on the elusive IPL trophy.

The Star-Studded Squad: A Perfect Blend of Youth and Experience

RCB’s 2025 squad is a perfect blend of experienced campaigners and emerging stars. While Kohli and Patidar are the senior figures providing leadership on and off the field, the team also boasts some exciting young talent who have contributed significantly to the side’s successes.

Josh Hazlewood: The Dependable Paceman

Australian pacer Josh Hazlewood, acquired for a hefty ₹12.5 crore, has been one of the standout performers for RCB in 2025. Hazlewood’s ability to deliver in pressure situations and his knack for keeping the opposition’s scoring rate under control have been vital in the team’s rise up the points table. Hazlewood has been instrumental in RCB’s victories, with his best performance being a 2/22 spell against Kolkata Knight Riders in the season opener. The Australian bowler has also demonstrated his ability to bowl under pressure, often conceding fewer boundaries than many other pacers in the tournament.

Krunal Pandya: The All-Rounder Who Adds Depth

All-rounder Krunal Pandya has added depth to both RCB’s batting and bowling departments. His contributions have often come at critical moments, with his bowling providing vital breakthroughs and his batting stabilizing the innings when required. Pandya’s performance against Kolkata Knight Riders, where he took 3 wickets for 29 runs, was a turning point for RCB, and his 4/45 against Mumbai Indians also proved to be crucial. His versatility has made him one of the key players in RCB’s setup.

The Young Guns: A Bright Future

While the senior players have been the backbone of RCB’s success, the team has also seen a few young talents emerge as match-winners. Players like Rajat Patidar, who has impressed with both bat and leadership, and other promising stars have helped RCB challenge the traditional dominance of teams like Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings. These young players bring a fresh energy to the team, and their ability to rise to the occasion could be crucial in the high-pressure matches of the playoffs.

RCB’s IPL History: A Journey of Near-Misses

Despite being one of the most popular and successful franchises in the IPL, RCB’s journey has been marred by heartbreaks. Over the years, they have boasted some of the best players in the world, from Chris Gayle and AB de Villiers to Dale Steyn and Mitchell Starc, but have failed to capture the IPL trophy.

The closest RCB came to winning the title was in 2009 and 2016, where they finished as runners-up. The 2016 season, in particular, was a heartbreaker for RCB fans, as they finished top of the points table and made it to the final, only to lose to Sunrisers Hyderabad. Despite these setbacks, the loyalty of RCB’s fans remains unmatched, and the team continues to command a passionate following.

The Road Ahead: Challenges and Opportunities

RCB’s road to the playoffs will not be easy. They have challenging matches ahead, including encounters with top teams like Rajasthan Royals, Gujarat Titans, and Delhi Capitals. These fixtures will be pivotal in deciding whether RCB can make the leap from a playoff contender to the IPL champions.

A victory against Rajasthan Royals in their next match could propel RCB to the third spot, while a big win could even see them climb to second. Maintaining consistency will be key as they head into the business end of the season. With Kohli, Hazlewood, Pandya, and the rest of the squad hitting their stride, RCB will be looking to build momentum and enter the playoffs with confidence.

A Title Within Reach?

As RCB heads into the crucial phase of IPL 2025, the team’s mix of experience, talent, and determination positions them as one of the strong contenders for the title. The backing of players like Virat Kohli, Rajat Patidar, and Krunal Pandya, combined with the fiery performances from international stars like Josh Hazlewood, has given RCB fans a renewed sense of hope.

Mohammad Amir’s admiration for Virat Kohli and RCB adds to the mounting anticipation that this could finally be the year that the franchise breaks its title drought. With the playoff spots within reach, RCB’s fate is in their hands. If they can continue their strong form and execute their plans in the high-pressure matches ahead, this could indeed be the season when RCB lifts their first-ever IPL trophy — a moment that would bring joy not only to the fans but also to players like Virat Kohli, who have been waiting for this moment their entire careers.

For RCB, 2025 might just be the breakthrough season they’ve been waiting for. But as always, in the IPL, only time will tell if the stars will finally align for the Royal Challengers.

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