Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) skipper Virat Kohli said his teammates’ good show gave him adequate time to come out of a brief lean patch in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL).

After enduring failures in the first three games with scores of 14, 1 and 3, Kohli returned to form as he struck 72 not out off 53 balls to power RCB to an easy eight-wicket win over Rajasthan Royals (RR) in Abu Dhabi on Saturday (October 3).

“It’s a funny game, an amazing game and I was telling Jos that I love this game and hate it too. It’s something you need to understand (bad form) but when the team is doing well, you get more time to apply yourself,” Kohli said at the post-match presentation ceremony.

“Very important two points. The kind of game we had last time, it’s very important to back that up. It was warm, but coming from Dubai, this felt better because of the breeze,” he added.

Kohli was satisfied that his side has begun the IPL 2020 campaign well but said they need to carry forward the momentum.

“This tournament can get away from you very quickly. When you start losing initially, the games start going quickly and suddenly you realise eight games are gone and you don’t have points.”

He praised the 20-year-old Devdutt Padikkal, who scored 63 off 45 balls against RR. It was his third fifty in four matches.

“There wasn’t much to reveal (to Devdutt) and I told Simon this guy has got serious talent – reach, and a great eye.

“And a left-hander, very clean shots. You hardly feel he’s taking risks, you get that feeling rarely at this level. Today he carried from 40 to 65 odd, so he’s a smart guy and he understands the game well.”

RCB will take on Delhi Capitals (DC) in their next game in Dubai on October 5.

(With PTI inputs)