NEW DELHI: Star
Royal Challengers Bengaluru
batter
Virat Kohli
received the RCB dressing room 'Player of the Match' award despite their defeat against Kolkata Knight Riders in their IPL clash at
M Chinnaswamy Stadium
on Friday.
Kohli's exceptional innings of 83 not out in 59 balls, comprising four boundaries and four sixes, earned him this recognition, even though his team ended up on the losing side.
Following the match, Kohli was presented with a gift hamper by his teammate
Glenn Maxwell
in acknowledgment of his outstanding performance.
Despite RCB posting a competitive total of 182/6 in their 20 overs, KKR's explosive batting display led by
Sunil Narine
and Venkatesh Iyer propelled them to victory with seven wickets in hand and 19 balls to spare.
Expressing his thoughts after receiving the award in a video shared by RCB's official handle.
"On a more serious note, we had a tough night, we all know that. We are much better than that, so, as long as we accept it, and move forward with the same courage, and the same belief in our skills. That is all we can come up with, so let us stay on that path," Kohli said.
Currently holding the '
Orange Cap
' for most runs in IPL 2024, Kohli has been in exceptional form, amassing 181 runs in three innings at an average of 90.50 and a strike rate of over 140.
In the match against KKR, Kohli anchored RCB's innings with notable partnerships alongside Cameron Green and Glenn Maxwell, guiding them to a competitive total.
Despite Kohli's stellar performance, KKR emerged victorious with Phil Salt, Sunil Narine, and Venkatesh Iyer playing crucial roles in the successful run chase.
RCB currently are at sixth place in the points table with two points from one win and two losses, while KKR occupy the second position with four points from two wins in as many games.
(With inputs from ANI)