IPL 2022: The season of change for Royal Challengers Bangalore, Delhi Capitals and Punjab Kings?

Royal Challengers Bangalore, Delhi Capitals and Punjab Kings have all played in IPL finals without crossing the final hurdle. In the hope to land the big prize, all three franchises have made significant changes. Will it alter their fortunes this time around?ROYAL CHALLENGERS LOST TO KKR IN 2021 ELIMINATORA few things about Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB). Their fans are the most loyal despite the franchise, like some Indian politicians, being performance-proof. They are their own biggest rivals, thanks to questionable calls made at the auction table and frequent chopping and changing. And, they never miss an opportunity to miss an opportunity. They have been bridesmaids thrice (2009, 2011 and 2016). Some seasons (2017, 2018 and 2019), their performances have been so poor that even an odd win seemed as momentous as winning the title.

It's 2022 and their fans once again are chanting, "E saala, cup namde (translated from Kannada as 'this year, the cup is ours')." It's a new-look side. For starters, Virat Kohli is no more captain. Can that free the talisman up to play impactful knocks without worrying about other stuff? A 550 or 600-run season at a strike rate of 135, batting at the top, or No. 3? RCB will take that. In new skipper Faf du Plessis, they have a proven performer (IPL and South Africa) and someone who can cushion the hype surrounding the franchise. Leading an alpha male like Kohli won't be easy, but it won't faze him as he has captained big names like Hashim Amla, Dale Steyn and Ab de Villiers for South Africa. That he opens the batting too makes the top-order look solid. He has a reputation of empowering teammates and that is why the franchise probably bought him as they were shopping for a skipper once