Former left-arm spinner Shadab Jakati has made a bold claim on the team environment of Royal Challengers Bengaluru and revealed why they have been unable to win an IPL title so far. Jakati compared RCB with CSK and opened up about the main difference between the two franchises.
Shadab Jakati is one of the few players who have represented both RCB and CSK. The left-arm spinner understands the playing style and the team management of both franchises quite well.
Jakati spoke about the contrasting styles of both managements and feels that they played a key role in their team’s success over the years. While RCB have chopped and changed a no. of players, CSK rely on their tried and tested players and like to give them a long run.
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Shadab Jakati reveals the difference between RCB & CSK
During a conversation with Sportskeeda, Shadab Jakati revealed the main difference between Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Chennai Super Kings. He noticed that CSK had a group of strong players while RCB just relied on 2-3 players to make a mark.
“It’s a team game. If you want to win trophies, the team needs to play like a unit. 2-3 players cannot help you win the trophy. Chennai had a strong group of Indian players and some decent foreign players. It is important to get your combination. When I was in RCB, they would focus on 2-3 players only,” Jakati said.
CSK have been lauded for their excellent team over the years, which has helped them win a record no. of IPL trophies. They have a no. of excellent players who can divide the pressure among them whenever the need arises.
On the other hand, RCB have mostly relied on a few star players to win matches for them. While these players have won them a few games, the team has been unable to perform as a whole, thus hampering their chances of winning the title.
“There was no camaraderie” – Shadab Jakati on RCB
Shadab Jakati further mentioned about the lack of camaraderie between the players in the RCB. He also hailed CSK’s team management for looking after their players well which helps them perform on big stages.
“There was a huge difference as far as team management, dressing room atmosphere is concerned. Players were very good, but there was no camaraderie, the players did not gel properly,” said Shadab Jakati.
“As I said, the role of the team management is quite significant. Chennai’s management was very good actually. They looked after their players nicely. These are the small things which make a big difference. So, these are the differences I felt in CSK and RCB,” he added.
Over the years, a no. of big names have represented RCB but they are yet to win a trophy so far. Virat Kohli, Chris Gayle, AB de Villiers, KL Rahul, and Yuzvendra Chahal are some of those names. It is a big surprise for such a fine team not to win any title so far.
When will the old rivals play each other in IPL 2025?
RCB and CSK have been old rivals and the matches between these two teams are of high intensity. Both the teams played a high-intensity match against each other last season where RCB came up triumphant and made it to the playoffs.
The IPL 2024 was one of the few seasons where CSK were unable to qualify for the next stage. CSK and RCB will next play against each other on March 28 in Chennai.
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