'Virat Kohli's cosmic connection with 18': Ex-India player highlights RCB's perfect record on May 18 ahead of IPL clash with CSK

NEW DELHI: As Royal Challengers Bengaluru prepare to face Chennai Super Kings in a crucial IPL 2024 match on Saturday, former India cricketer and analyst Aakash Chopra has pointed out an intriguing trend: RCB have enjoyed an unblemished record in games played on May 18. However, Chopra cautioned that rain could potentially disrupt their hopes this time.
With 12 points from 13 games, RCB are currently seventh on the points table.To secure the final playoff berth, they need a significant win over CSK, leveraging their net run rate.
Previewing the game on his YouTube channel, Chopra noted the historical significance of May 18 for RCB. "It started from here only and we have reached there again. Chennai were on one side and RCB were in front of them. Chennai won that game, that was the 23rd of March but now we have reached the 18th of May. RCB have never lost on 18th May," he said.

Chopra highlighted that Virat Kohli, RCB’s star player, has consistently performed well on this date. "In all the matches Virat Kohli has played on 18th May, he has scored runs, which includes two centuries and a half-century. His jersey number is 18. This is going to be a humdinger. However, there are chances of rain. The longer the match, the brighter the chances for RCB. The shorter the match gets, the qualification will become more difficult," he added.
The looming threat of rain is a significant concern for RCB. If the match does not yield a result due to weather interruptions, RCB will be knocked out, and CSK will advance to the playoffs alongside KKR, RR, and SRH.

Chopra further emphasized Kohli’s unique connection with May 18. "It's 18th May and Virat Kohli is having a cosmic connection with that date. He has scored runs whenever he has played on 18th May. I am focusing on Virat Kohli as my first player to watch out for because when matters are big, Virat is seen standing there. He automatically reaches there," he reasoned.
Chopra also pointed out other key players who could influence the outcome. "Since Will Jacks is not there now, Glenn Maxwell will have to come. The shorter the match, the bigger will be his role. He is a player who can hit sixes consistently, a player who can turn the game. He has won his team (Australia) a match even while standing on one leg. He hasn't done anything thus far. This has to be his game."

Additionally, Chopra highlighted Cameron Green's potential impact. "The third player I am thinking is Cameron Green. He will have to bowl one over at least, or two overs if it's a 10-over game. He will also have to hit a lot of sixes because you need that margin. So Faf (du Plessis) at the start, Cameron Green later, and Rajat Patidar in the middle, and you will hope to reach where you want to reach," he elaborated.
As the tension builds for Saturday's crucial match, all eyes will be on RCB to see if they can maintain their perfect record on May 18 and secure a spot in the playoffs, or if the weather gods will play spoilsport in their quest.