India, June 3 -- Tonight, as they have done on three other memorable, heartbreaking occasions over the past 18 years, Royal Challengers Bangalore will take the stage in an IPL final. For an incredible fourth time, Virat Kohli, who has worn the RCB colours since its founding, will walk into a capacity stadium filled with the most loyal fans in the world, whose fierce, steadfast belief - Ee sala Cup namde! - has lit up every IPL season since 2008, to the familiar, ear-splitting chant - Aar-Cee-Bee! Aar-Cee-Bee!

This time, RCB's opponents are the Punjab Kings. It is apposite that the names of both teams reference the monarchy, for rulers of the regions these teams represent have had a big part to play in the birth and growth of cricket in o...