Royal Challengers Bangalore captain Virat Kohli was pleased to play a key role in victory over the Rajasthan Royals, after a poor start to the 2020 Indian Premier League.
Kohi had struck a mere 18 runs in three innings during the IPL 2020 prior to Saturday's 72 not out in Abu Dhabi. His innings spanned 53 deliveries – and featured seven fours and two sixes.
“It's a funny game you know. It's an amazing game. I love this game and I hate it too. It's something that you need to understand as a player. When you play so much of cricket, you do feel like at times you're not in control of what you want to do,” said Kohli.
Bangalore have reached and lost three IPL finals. Their 2020 campaign has started well with three victories in four attempts.
“This tournament, we understand that it can get away from you very quickly. In the past we've experienced that,” added Kohli.
“When you start losing initially, the games start going past very quickly and suddenly you realise that you're seven or eight games into the tournament and you have no points.
“And when you start well it's important to continue that momentum. So yes, we will look to do that. Simply follow the process that we have in place and keep backing ourselves to go out there and execute the plans that we have.”
Kohli on Padikkal
The Indian captain praised Royal Challengers batsman Devdut Padikkal, who has struck three half-centuries in four innings at the top of the order this IPL.
“I saw him play and I told head coach Simon Katich. I was like, ‘This guy's got some serious talent‘. Because he's got reach and he's got a great eye, great balance. His head's very still,” concluded Kohli.
“And a left-hander, it's very difficult for the bowlers to continue bowling the same lines and lengths when a leftie is in. And the way he bats, it's very, very clean shots. You don't feel like he's taking a risk as such. That kind of feeling you hardly get with batsmen that come at this level, when they haven't played so much.”
