Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) skipper Virat Kohli said that this edition of Indian Premier League will be competitive just like the one last year in UAE. This is because the teams will be playing at neutral venues.
Kohli on Playing at Neutral Venues
Virat Kohli’s team is set to take on the defending champions Mumbai Indians in the first match for the IPL 14. Just ahead of the same, Kohli said that he would miss playing in front of the home ground but playing at neutral venues make things competitive.
“There is nothing quite like playing at the Chinnaswamy Stadium Royal Challengers Bangalore home ground in Bengaluru in front of your home crowd. I understand and agree with that. Obviously, the fans are going to miss watching us play — such is the time that we in right now.” He continued, “But the good thing is that we are back in India and one more positive thing about this edition like last year is that there is no home advantage. Everyone is playing at neutral venues and the strength of your squad really comes to the fore.”
Kohli on Close Games
Last IPL saw a number of closes games and until the last few matches, the playoff positions were not confirmed. “This is precisely why last IPL was competitive and until about the last 3-4 games, everyone was in the reckoning to qualify [for the playoffs] which I think is great for the tournament. The viewership went through the roof which I expect to be the case this time around as well. The [2021] tournament is going to be competitive.”
He further told, “Having done well last year, in such a competitive scenario, as a side we are confident that we are the strongest squad this time around. This time we are also going to have a great season. It is something we are all looking forward to being part of. Just playing in set venues with four teams that is going to be nullify the home advantage every team used to have and we will really have some competitive excitement.”
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