As the teams warm up for another edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL), which will be held in the UAE this time, the pressure perhaps is most on the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB).

Despite having some top players, the Virat Kohli-led team has never managed to lift the trophy. Their performance in the last three seasons in particular has been forgettable, finishing last in 2017 and 2019, and third from bottom in 2018.

“Performance is something that drives all of us. We have reached the final three times but never got to lift the trophy. So it does add pressure, no doubt about it,” RCB chairman Sanjeev Churiwala said during a video conference on Thursday.

Anil Kumble (extreme left) and the Kings XI Punjab squad on their chartered flight to Dubai for the IPL, starting September 19, on Thursday. The team left from Mumbai Pictures courtesy: Twitter/lionsdenkxip

The owners have reposed faith in Kohli’s leadership, citing his “fan following” and overall “track record”.

“Virat is the India captain and has the highest fan following. We all love Virat.

“Look, this is what the game is all about. Sometimes you win, sometimes you lose… But let’s not forget what the individual is and the kind of track record he has. I think as RCB owners, we are very, very proud that Virat is associated with us,” Churiwala emphasised.

Kuldeep Yadav (centre) with his KKR teammates on way to Abu Dhabi from Mumbai. Twitter/KKRiders

In spite of RCB cutting a sorry figure since 2017, skipper Kohli hasn’t disappointed with the bat, turning out to be the team’s top scorer in all the three previous editions. Also, RCB did finish runners-up in 2016 and reached the Qualifier II stage the year before, under Kohli’s captaincy.

The franchise management is, however, optimistic that the current squad will be able to deliver this time around.

“Our last performances have not been up to the mark. But otherwise, by and large it’s not something we should be really concerned about,” Churiwala said.

Eyeing better results this season, RCB have strengthened their support staff by recruiting sports psychologist Chaitanya Sridhar and specialist team doctor Charles Minz.

Their Indian players will leave for Dubai on Friday, while among the overseas recruits, their South African contingent, featuring AB de Villiers, Dale Steyn and Chris Morris, will “possibly” join on Saturday, with the Sri Lankans set to reach on September 1.

RCB will have a three-week camp in Dubai from August 29, Churiwala added.

Rajasthan Royals’ Sanju Samson ready to leave for Dubai. Twitter/rajasthanroyals

As for the England and Australia players, who are most likely to reach the UAE on September 17, the chairman is optimistic about their availability from RCB’s very first match itself provided they undergo the “stringent” testing process after landing.

The BCCI, though, has not yet waived the condition of a six-day quarantine for the players of the two countries, which the franchises had requested since they are travelling from one bio-secure bubble to another.

“...Given that the England and Australia players will already be serving a bio-bubble requirement (in the UK), it will be an extended bio-bubble for them when they land in the UAE. Under no circumstances is the BCCI or franchise owners saying we will compromise on the procedures,” Churiwala said.