Former RCB pacer Varun Aaron has expressed confidence in his former team’s ability to win the crucial Eliminator match against Rajasthan Royals on Wednesday, May 22. Despite Rajasthan’s impressive start, Varun Aaron believes RCB’s self-belief will see them through in this decisive clash.
Varun Aaron, a fiery fast bowler known for his raw pace, has navigated a career filled with both promise and setbacks. Despite early struggles with injuries, he impressed in domestic cricket and earned a limited stint with the Indian ODI team. The IPL became his platform, showcasing his talent with various franchises. Now, at 35, Aaron has chosen to focus on white-ball cricket, recently retiring from the longer format.
Royal Challengers Bangalore’s (RCB) IPL 2024 campaign has been a tale of two halves. They started terribly, losing a daunting seven out of their first eight matches. However, a dramatic turnaround has seen them win their last six matches in a row. This impressive winning streak has completely transformed their season. From being on the brink of elimination, RCB are now in the playoffs.
What Varun Aaron Said
Former India cricketer Varun Aaron believes that the momentum-driven Royal Challengers Bangalore can surpass the Rajasthan Royals in the Eliminator. Following the washout of the last league game between Rajasthan and Kolkata Knight Riders, Rajasthan finished third on the points table with 17 points.
Bangalore enters the game riding high on six consecutive victories, while Rajasthan remains winless in their last five matches. Aaron noted that this makes Bangalore the clear favourites, as their strong self-belief gives them an edge going into the Eliminator.
Aaron said while speaking on Star Sports, “Especially when you win six games on the trot and you go into playoffs like this. All it does to you is just heighten your self-belief, not just his (Virat Kohli) but the whole team’s. So they will go in with a lot of belief and very contrasting to Rajasthan Royals who’re going in with lot of doubts.”
Aaron further praised star batter Virat Kohli for his unwavering commitment to Bangalore, noting that Kohli, after dedicating 17 seasons to the franchise, would be especially hungry for a title win.
He added, “He’s got a trophy left because that’s one thing he has not got in all these years. He’s given his heart and soul to this franchise, the fans love him. Obviously, every other fan from other teams also love him but that IPL trophy has been that ever-elusive one unicorn I would say for Virat Kohli which he has to get this year.”
Kohli is having another stellar season, leading the IPL 2024 run charts with 708 runs from 14 innings at an impressive average of 64.36. He has notched up one century and five half-centuries. Despite debates about his strike rate ahead of the T20 World Cup, Kohli has silenced critics both with his words and his batting, boasting a current strike rate of 155.6.