“It’s unfortunate, but the IPL has been a very big brand,” said Patel. “It’s such a big tournament with a lot of young players and seniors have been around for years. A couple of incidents that has happened outside the IPL should not affect it.

“I don’t think I’m in a position to speak on what has happened. The ICC and CA have taken decisions; right now, the focus is how RCB can win and how I can contribute rather than thinking about something which has happened outside.”

[caption id=”attachment_64659″ align=”aligncenter” width=”800″] Parthiv Patel will play under Virat Kohli’s leadership at Royal Challengers Bangalore[/caption]

As such, Rajasthan Royals and Sunrisers Hyderabad have been the badly hit teams, as they had Smith and Warner down as their captains for the upcoming season.

Patel, a widely travelled player in the IPL, has had a successful time with three-time champions Mumbai Indians, but might struggle to get into the playing XI at RCB, what with Quinton de Kock in the squad too. That said, with AB de Villiers, Brendon McCullum, Chris Woakes, Moeen Ali and Tim Southee, among others, around too, the Indian-overseas balance might tip the scales Patel’s way.

[breakout id=”0″][/breakout]

Over the years, Patel has scored 2,322 runs in the IPL to go with 71 dismissals from behind the stumps.

“A lot has changed from where I was in 2014. I’m coming with a lot of experience of winning the tournament. My performance individually has been very good in last few IPLs, also in the domestic tournaments,” pointed out Patel. “Not many things will change for me. I’ve been working hard personally. Hopefully, I will help the team win the tournament.”

RCB, led by Virat Kohli, have often had star-studded teams but have never won the IPL, getting to the title round on three occasions – 2009, 2011 and 2016 – but falling short each time.

[caption id=”attachment_64545″ align=”alignnone” width=”800″] This week, Kane Williamson replaced David Warner as captain of Sunrisers Hyderabad[/caption]

“A lot of changes have been made to the team. The balance of the side has changed. It feels all the bases are covered, as far as batsmen, bowlers and all-rounders are concerned. We feel we can do it this time,” he said.

[breakout id=”1″][/breakout]

Patel, who has also played 25 Tests over the years, including five since Kohli became captain, felt the India skipper’s effect on the RCB team would be hard to miss. “When Virat’s captaining, you have to be on your toes,” he said. “He brings in a lot of positive energy makes sure you have to give 100 per cent, a reason why we are getting a lot of positive results.

“A captain’s job is to push you, as a leader if you want results you want everyone to give more than 100 per cent. There’s no complaints about the captain pushing you. Setting the right example.”