Follow UsVirat Kohli led a flawless run chase for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the reverse fixture against Punjab Kings in Mullanpur, with an unbeaten 74. It was the bowlers who first restricted Punjab Kings to a sub-par total, and then Kohli and Devdutt Padikkal took over to provide RCB a two-point boost.
That has taken them to the third spot on the points table, with 10 points in eight games. Kohli believes that the two-point boost will be a massive difference as they aim to qualify early for the playoffs.
“Very important game for us. Two points can make a massive difference in terms of qualification. We have played some amazing cricket away from home. When you go from eight to ten points, there is a massive difference in the points table. The mindset has to be to get 2 points in every game,” Virat Kohli, who was adjudged Player of the Match, said in the post-match presentation.
With Devdutt Padikkal accelerating from one end, Kohli played a more subdued role before accelerating in the final phases. The 159-run chase didn’t demand that he step on the accelerator, but the former skipper stated that he wants to bat more aggressively.
“I wanted to accelerate more. I thought Dev made a difference today; this award should go to him. I don't know why they have given it to me. I try to stay there, holding one end up, and try to accelerate later. There is always a temptation to keep going in the same way.
“Last game was a shortened game, so we had to go hard [against PBKS]. We had to analyse the pitch in Rajasthan. One partnership is good enough in T20 cricket during a run chase. I can accelerate, but I want to understand the strengths of other players. Holding one end up at the moment, that's working for us.”
Kohli further added that the team bears a complete look at the IPL 2025 thanks to the good auction they had, which he believes was missing the previous year.
“It was a very good auction for us; we got a good team. These guys were composed (after the auction.) Guys like David, Jitesh, Patidar, the roles they are playing. It's coming off nicely. Also Romario coming in for us today. Livingstone's also there. That was missing over the last seasons. Guys can keep counter-attacking, the guys are hungry. You can see that intensity on the field as they are diving around. That is really pleasing to see. When you play like that, your chances of winning are better,” the former Indian and RCB skipper added.