No one deserves an IPL trophy more than RCB and Virat Kohli: Manoj Tiwary

Royal Challengers Bengaluru have been having one of their strongest seasons yet in the Indian Premier League history, and one man who has forever been associated with the side is star cricketer Virat Kohli. Despite representing the franchise for 18 seasons and being the highest run-getter in the tournament, Kohli hasn't tasted success with the side.

Meanwhile, former cricketer Manoj Tiwary feels that Kohli, for the contributions that he has made to the cash-rich tournament, and on the basis of his individual accolades, deserves to win an IPL trophy this year. Tiwary further drew parallels between RCB winning IPL for Virat to when India won the ODI World Cup in 2011 as a tribute to the great Sachin Tendulkar.

"With Gujarat Titans losing to Chennai Super Kings, RCB have a strong chance of finishing among the top two teams. It feels like everything is aligning to help RCB break their trophy drought and win the IPL," the Bengal cricketer was quoted as saying by Odisha TV.

"Virat Kohli truly deserves this after so many years. RCB deserve the trophy as well. No one deserves it more than Virat Kohli. When India won the World Cup in 2011, we all wanted it for Sachin Tendulkar because of the immense contribution he made to Indian cricket. That victory was a tribute to him," Tiwary added.

RCB in quest for top-two finish

This season, however, seems different, as RCB look the most balanced side, not just on paper, but on the field as well. They have already qualified for the Playoffs with eight wins in 13 games, and a last league stage fixture to go against the Lucknow Super Giants. They do have the chance of playing the Qualifier 1, which includes the teams that finish first and second on the Points Table.

To do so, they will not only need to beat LSG, but also hope that Gujarat Titans and Punjab Kings lose their remaining group stage fixtures, which will further solidify their chances. GT will play their last fixture against Chennai Super Kings on Sunday, May 25, whereas, PBKS will play to Delhi Capitals and Mumbai Indians to draw curtains on their respective league stage campaigns.