We are desperate for a win: Kohli
Having come back to their home turf following an almost three-week trip around the country, the Royal Challengers were given a rude awakening as Kings XI Punjab cantered to a carefree seven-wicket victory at the Chinnaswamy Stadium on Tuesday.
For most part of their innings, RCB did everything right; Chris Gayle and Virat Kohli hung in when the runs were difficult to come by initially before opening up their shoulders in the final ten overs.
A total of 174/5 looked competitive if not supremely threatening but unfortunately for Kohli, the track played true when Adam Gilchrist set about for the chase.
“We thought it was a good total, the first 5-6 overs kept low and slow, getting close to 180 was a good effort. It’s all about going out there and defending those scores but we haven’t been able to do that,” said Kohli thoroughly disappointed by the defeat.
For the second time in less than ten days, Kings XI have overcome the Challengers at home and away for a 7-5 overall record, but more than the stats, it has brought RCB to its knees in their pursuit of a play-offs berth.
“We haven’t hit the right areas as a bowling unit and that’s something we need to improve.
“We’re in a position where we desperately need one win, it’s not a good position to be in, but we just have to do what we have to do,” said the RCB skipper.
With 16 points and just one game in hand, against the Chennai Super Kings, the Challengers will need many things to go their way if they are to sneak into the qualifiers. Currently fourth in the table, RCB have a positive net run rate which could work in their favour provided of course, the Sunrisers decide to do them a big favour and lose their next couple of games.
“We have to win the next game, that’s the position we are in right now,” said the brave Kohli.
Kings XI skipper, who hit his first fifty of the season in what was his 100th T20 match was happy with his effort but complimented county specialist Azhar Mahmood for his 41-ball 61 cameo.
“He came in and played his natural game, I was trying to play my natural game but was barely clearing the circle. He deserves this award,” said the modest Gilchrist, who bagged the man of the match for his unbeaten 85 off 54 deliveries.
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