Captain Virat Kohli hailed his bowling attack after RCB’s vital win over Kolkata
The Royals Challengers Bangalore bowlers restricted the Knight Riders to 112-9 on a slowing Sharjah pitch to record a fifth win of IPL 2020.
That excellent showing following a brilliant display of hitting from AB de Villiers. He smashed a 33-ball 73 to put RCB in the driving seat.
Speaking to host broadcaster Star after the win, Kohli highlighted the team’s pre-tournament preparations.
He said: “That three-and-a-half-week camp really helped us. The bowling coach has worked hard with the boys.
“The management has been really good in setting up a great system, great culture this time around. And we have clarity of plans. We know exactly what we want to do when we step on to the field. It's not figuring out what you have to do in the middle. We at least have an idea what we want to do and plan B is ready as well.
“It all depends on the mindset, I think. The body language, the intensity, the mindset this time around is very positive. People are turning the game around with the ball, with the bat as well but with the ball more so. That has been a special addition to the way we have played our cricket. If your bowling unit is strong, then you have a good chance of going deep in the tournament.”
RCB Bowling Attack Improving
A weak bowling attack has previously been blamed for Bangalore’s past IPL failures.
However, the development of Navdeep Saini, the recent inclusion of Chris Morris and the tandem spin options of Yuzvendra Chahal and the impressive Washington Sundar suddenly give Kohli something to work with.
Kohli added: “Heading into this busy week for us, it was important that we get the right start. We did that in the last game [against the Chennai Super Kings] and continued amazingly well in this game as well.
“It's great to see individuals step up when the team requires them to and that's all we want to be about this season.
“The bowling unit with Chris Morris coming back looks that more potent and the way Washy, Chahal and other bowlers bowled, I think this was one of our most comprehensive wins.”
Superhuman AB
Kohli also took time to praise South African star AB de Villiers after his brilliant display with the bat.
The duo surpassed 3,000 IPL runs together in the process, but it was AB’s efforts that delighted his skipper.
“Barring one superhuman, every batsman struggled on the pitch,” said Kohli.
“I said you might see a lot of people do what is done in other games, but only AB can do what he did. It was a fabulous knock.
“We were looking at 160-165, and it was only thanks to his genius that we got to 195. I was happy we could string together a partnership, and mine was the best seat to watch from.”
