Kohli buoyant after recruitment coup

An incredible coup at this year's auction has Royal Challengers Bangalore captain Virat Kohli feeling confident of his side's title hopes in IPL 2018.

As he enters his 11th season with the foundation franchise, India skipper Kohli is desperate for this to be the year his star-studded Bangalore outfit finally claim the Indian Premier League title.

Bangalore, three times runners-up from the 10 editions of the IPL and semi-finalists on another two occasions, look to have recruited well in 2018 after a horror campaign last year.

"More than the fans, I want to win the cup," Kohli said. "I have been with Bangalore for the last 10 years and we haven’t crossed the final hurdle three times.

"I can assure you, my commitment is going to be 120 per cent to try and achieve the goal this time."

While they have lost superstar batsman Chris Gayle – his sizeable void has been filled by New Zealand legend Brendon McCullum – the real moves have been made with their bowling.

Remarkably, and perhaps not coincidentally, they used their purse at the auction to purchase the entire Kolkata Knight Riders attack that dismantled them for 49 last season: Australian Nathan Coulter-Nile ($427,000), Indian quick Umesh Yadav ($814,000), New Zealand's Colin de Grandhomme ($427,000) and Englishman Chris Woakes ($1.4 million).

Additionally, Kohli's side signed Black Caps paceman Tim Southee ($192,000).

RCB were chasing 132 to win that match but were knocked over in startling fashion, hitting a low point of a forgettable season that resulted in just three wins and a wooden spoon.

But the new recruits have Kohli upbeat.

"The batting has been strong point for RCB over the years, but I think the strengthening of our bowling department has been a massive boost for us from this auction," Kohli said.

"I am very optimistic about our chances heading into this IPL.

"Some of them (the new signings) I know personally. We picked up players who could contribute to our culture and not be so worried about their personal performances."

The additional pace options complement an impressive spin-bowling group: Yuvzendra Chahal, Washington Sundar, M Ashwin, Pawan Negi and England allrounder Moeen Ali.

RCB begin their IPL campaign against – of all teams – Kolkata Knight Riders at Eden Gardens on Sunday.