Want RCB’s Emphasis to Shift From Star Players: Coach Kirsten

“Our priority is to build a whole team,” said RCB coach Gary Kirsten ahead of the Indian Premier League season.

Gary Kirsten speaks to The Quint ahead of IPL 2019.

(Photo: The Quint)

Royal Challengers Bangalore have long been associated with its star players, which overs the years have included big international names like Virat Kohli, AB de Villiers, Brendon McCullum and Chris Gayle.

However, that star-line up has never really translated into team performances which is best proven by the fact that RCB have never lifted the Indian Premier League trophy, and reached play-offs only 5 times in the 11 editions so far.

This time around though, coach Gary Kirsten along with his coaching staff that includes former Indian pacer Ashish Nehra, hope to shift the emphasis of the squad away from its star players.

“Our priority is to build a whole team. There’s been a lot of emphasis placed on the star performers and that they’re the only ones who can win games of cricket for you. But I think we’re going to hopefully pride ourselves this year in knowing that we have a whole team and that there can be a lot of different contributions.”

Gary Kirsten, RCB Coach

After retaining 14 players from the previous year, RCB added another 10 players to their squad at the auction this year, of which 7 are uncapped domestic Indian cricketers. And coach Kirsten said nothing would excite them more if these young players had a good season.

“Nothing would excite us as coaches more than when one or two of the younger players come through and have a really big season. I think everyone in our group would want that as well. It takes a lot of pressure off the senior players and the guys that are expected to score runs every game. We know what our senior players can do but RCB is looking for a more whole team experience this campaign.”

Gary Kirsten

Virat Kohli-led RCB, who finished sixth last year, will play the opening game of IPL 2019 against MS Dhoni’s Chennai Super Kings at the MA Chidambaram stadium on 23 March.