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Gautam Gambhir, Kolkata Knight Riders' (KKR) mentor, has openly shared his longstanding ambition to defeat Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), a drive that he's maintained since his captaincy days with KKR. He reminisced about three of KKR's most triumphant victories in the IPL, all of which were against the team from Bengaluru. So far, the two teams have faced off in 32 matches, with KKR slightly leading the tally with 18 wins. Among all, their most famous win came in 2017 when Gambhir-led KKR spectacularly bowled out Bengaluru for just 49 runs, defending a modest total of 132. Moreover, at the start of the IPL in that very season, KKR made headlines by scoring 222 runs against them.
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In a video posted by Star Sports, Gambhir remembered his time with KKR as a captain and revealed the team he always wanted to defeat during his IPL stint.
"One team I wanted to beat every time, even in my dreams, was Bangalore. The 2nd most high-profile team, flamboyant owner, and with the squad, with Gayle, Virat Kohli, and AB de Villiers. They have not won anything, still thought they have won everything and that attitude I can't take that. The three best wins that KKR have ever had was against RCB. The first time - the first game of the IPL, RCB 49 all out, RCB 6 overs 100 - probably the only time in IPL where 100 runs were scored off the first 6 overs," Gambhir told Star Sports.
Gambhir also highlighted the RCB's formidable batting lineup which was studded with Virat Kohli, Chris Gayle, and AB de Villiers, which actually motivated him to outclass them.
"We always knew they were a very strong side and probably the most aggressive batting unit as well. Gayle, Kohli, and De Villiers - what can get better than that. If one thing I want out of my IPL career, again go out on the field and beat RCB," Gambhir further added.
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Cut to IPL 2024, where Gambhir has reunited with KKR, albeit in a different role. Meanwhile, social media is abuzz with the most awaited clash between KKR and RCB which is slated to be played on March 29 at Chinnaswamy stadium in Bengaluru. Virat Kohli and Gautam Gambhir, who are no strangers to on-field confrontations, are gearing up for another showdown, this time in their respective roles. Kohli will lead the charge for RCB with his batting prowess, while Gambhir will be in the mentor's seat for KKR, adding an intriguing dynamic to their long-standing rivalry. Their past encounters have been characterised by fiery exchanges and intense rivalry, with a notable altercation after an RCB vs LSG match in the 2023 IPL season, which required the teams to step in and calm the situation. The roots of their on-field battle go back to the 2013 season during a high-stakes match between RCB and KKR, where a moment of high tension after Kohli's dismissal led to a heated exchange, further fueling their competitive spirit. It will be interesting to see who will have the last laugh.
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