IPL 2016: Virat Kohli praises rival captain David Warner, predicts tough final against Sunrisers Hyderabad

On Sunday, a new IPL champion will be crowned in Bangalore.

New Delhi: Aware of the threat pose by Sunrisers Hyderabad, Royal Challengers Bangalore skipper Virat Kohli predicted a tough 2016 Indian Premier League final on Sunday.

Speaking to reporters on the eve of big final, season's leading run-scorer also praises David Warner, while admitting that he and the rival captain are fierce competitors on the field.

"I think we think on similar lines. We try to do things ourselves first which we are expecting from our team-mates. There is similarity between me and Warner, in terms of approaching the game," Kohli said about Warner.

However, the 27-year-old was confident with the preparations ahead of the title clash, specially after two days off.

"We had a long run before the last game we played. So, in that regard two days off was a good thing. It was an opportunity to come together and draft plans for the finals. The opportunity came through two practise sessions. I felt it was good time to prepare to build a good momentum to storm into the finals," Kohli added.

Warning Sunrisers, Kohli stressed on the Bangalore's massive home support. And rightly claimed that RCB's home crowd can intimidate any visiting team, as witnessed during the Qualifier 1 against Gujarat Lions.

"The support has been wonderful in Bangalore even if we have not done really well. The energy the people bring in the stadium it plays a massive role for the team. The support of home crowd can make other team nervous which we saw that happening, making AB De Villiers go for the victory against Gujarat Lions in Qualifier 1," he told.

Having said that, the right-handed batsman didn't discount Sunrisers' team balance.

"They (SRH) are one of the most balanced teams before the tournament started. We are aware of it. They are into the final, and it cannot been done without their batting. Same with us too, we could not have been in the final without our bowlers blazing guns," he opined.

Both the teams are eyeing for their respective maiden IPL title. RCB beat table-toppers from round-robin league round Gujarat Lions in the first Qualifier, while SRH came through the Eliminator to beat the Lions in the second Qualifier. They beat two-time champions Kolkata Knight Riders in the Eliminator.

(With Agency inputs)