NEW DELHI: Batting maestro
Virat Kohli
reaffirmed his commitment to quality performance after leading
Royal Challengers Bengaluru
(RCB) to a significant 60-run win against Punjab Kings (
PBKS
) in the IPL match in Dharamsala on Thursday.
His statement, "For me, it's still quality over quantity," served as a succinct response to his detractors. Kohli's performance was pivotal in the victory, demonstrating his focus on delivering results when it counts.
Kohli's reply reflects his confidence and dedication to his role in the team, underscoring his reputation as a player who prioritises the success of his team over personal milestones.
"For me, it's still quality over quantity. For me it works really well. Also the understanding of the game allows you to practice less, just try to replicate what I have done in the past. Still aiming to improve aspects of the game that you want to get batter at. It's an evolving process. I brought out the slogsweep against the spinners. I didn't practice it, I know I have hit it in the past. Always looking to expose that side of the field against spin. I know I need to take risks, it needs a bit of conviction. I have been managing to stay ahead of that thought,: Kohli, who was named Player of the Match, said at the post-match presentation
"I am trying to keep up with the strike rate for me and the team. The only way to go through a tournament is to be honest with ourselves. We had those losses on the trot, we just had an honest conversation. We needed to pull up our socks. That game against KKR went down to the wire. We wanted to play for our self respect. We just can't go out there and play in such a way and disappoint our fans. The confidence is back and we are on a roll. We wouldn't have to depend on several other aspects (had we played better earlier in the tournament)," Kohli added.
Coming to the match, Kohli and Patidar showcased outstanding batting prowess, both registering impressive half-centuries, as RCB ignited their slim playoff aspirations with a big victory over PBKS.
Kohli's blistering 92 off just 47 deliveries served as the linchpin of RCB's innings, featuring pivotal partnerships including a scintillating 72-run stand with Patidar, who contributed a brisk 55 off 23 balls. Additionally, Kohli orchestrated a commanding 92-run partnership with Cameron Green, who chipped in with a valuable 46 off 27 balls, propelling RCB to a formidable total of 241/7.
In response,
Rilee Rossouw
showcased his batting prowess with a rapid 61 off 27 balls for Punjab Kings. However, Karn Sharma's crucial double breakthrough initiated a collapse, leading to Punjab Kings being bundled out for 181 runs in just 17 overs.
This victory marks RCB's fourth consecutive win, elevating them to 10 points in the standings.
On the other hand, Punjab Kings' hopes for a playoff berth were dashed, as they are now eliminated from contention, unable to surpass a maximum of 12 points from their remaining two fixtures.
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