The highly anticipated Indian Premier League 2024 (IPL 2024) will kick off on Friday, March 22 at MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai. The defending champions, Chennai Super Kings, will face off against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the opening match. RCB will aim for a strong start to the season as they face one of their longstanding rivals in their home ground.
It has to be noted that the Faf du Plessis-led RCB team had a disappointing season last year, failing to qualify for the playoffs. They finished sixth on the points table with seven wins from 14 matches, accumulating 14 points.
Brett Lee Ignored CSK And MI As He Predicted IPL 2024 Winner
However, RCB is determined to bounce back in the upcoming season. Former Australia fast bowler Brett Lee is optimistic about their chances and believes they have what it takes to lift the trophy in 2024.
Speaking at an event, Lee expressed his belief that the team has had the best side for several years, and he feels optimistic that the recent name and jersey change could bring good luck to them.
“I was going through all the teams, the 10 franchises and not because he (AB de Villiers) is sitting next to me, I actually think RCB have a very good chance this year. I would not bet against them. They’ve had the best side for a number of years, maybe different ways. Over here in India, there are a lot of superstitions. They have changed the name, colour of the clothing. This could be the year,” Lee was quoted as saying by News18.
Recently, during the “Unbox event” on March 19, RCB made an interesting change to their team name, switching from “Royal Challengers Bangalore” to “Royal Challengers Bengaluru.” Additionally, they unveiled a new jersey with a hint of blue in it.
In another exciting development, the Royal Challengers Bangalore Women’s team achieved a significant milestone by clinching the franchise’s first-ever T20 title in the Women’s Premier League 2024.
Led by Smriti Mandhana, the RCB Women’s team ended a 16-year trophy drought for the franchise by defeating Delhi Capitals Women by eight wickets in the Women’s Premier League 2024.
The success of the RCB Women’s team is expected to inspire the RCB Men’s team as they head into the upcoming IPL season. The men’s team aims to script another golden chapter in the franchise’s history by clinching the elusive IPL title.