Gautam Gambhir explains reason behind RCB's struggles, highlights difference between MS Dhoni and Virat Kohli

Former India opener Gautam Gambhir explained why RCB struggle in IPL as he highlighted the biggest difference between MS Dhoni and Virat Kohli as captain.

Key Highlights

• Gautam Gambhir explained the biggest difference between MS Dhoni and Virat Kohli as captains

• Gautam Gambhir pointed out the major reason why Royal Challengers Bangalore struggle in IPL

• MS Dhoni has led CSK to three titles while RCB are yet to win their maiden IPL trophy

Royal Challengers Bangalore have been perennial underperformers in the Indian Premier League (IPL) despite possessing some of the biggest stars of world cricket in their squad, over the years. Under current captain Virat Kohli, RCB have reached the final twice but are yet to lift their maiden IPL trophy. RCB once again have a formidable squad at their disposal ahead of the next season but are not one of the favourites to lift the trophy.

Former India opener and two-time IPL winner Gautam Gambhir recently explained the reason behind RCB's struggles in the league and also highlighted the 'biggest difference' between the captaincy styles of MS Dhoni and Kohli. While Dhoni likes to back his players to the hilt and get the best out of them, Kohli has done quite the opposite at RCB and has struggled to trust his players consistently.

While Dhoni has three IPL title under his belt with Chennai Super Kings, Kohli is still searching for his maiden title as captain. Gambhir believes Kohli should stick with his players and give them a longer rope in the upcoming season to spark a turnaround in RCB's fortunes.

“The biggest difference between Virat Kohli and MS Dhoni is that MS Dhoni persists with his players for 6-7 matches. If you see RCB’s trend, they make changes very quickly because they have a doubt that their playing XI does not have a proper balance," Gambhir said on Star Sports show Cricket Connected.

“So I would want to see from RCB that even if the start is not good, they should persist with their playing XI and give them 6-7 matches. Because then only the players will give you performances and not if you give one or two matches. So if Virat Kohli has calmness in his mind that this is the most balanced squad, the important thing will be how they perform and how much he persists with these players," he added.

Gambhir feels making constant changes throughout the season and failing to find a balanced playing XI is one of the major reasons why RCB have struggled in the tournament. Recently, Kohli stated that he was happy with the squad he has and is optimistic about the season. However, Gambhir feels only time will tell if Kohli is happy with the team and has already planned his playing XI or not.

“What Virat Kohli has said, when you are happy with your squad as a captain, you would have already planned which playing XI you want to play. If you are satisfied, then the calmness also comes along. Because there are times that you do not come to know your best XI in the entire tournament and that is why you make a lot of changes,” Gambhir said.

“I still feel that RCB look a little batting-heavy. But one thing that you will see a little different is that the bowlers will be happy because they will not have to play 7 matches at the Chinnaswamy Stadium," he added.