Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) skipper Virat Kohli conceded that his team "wasn't expressive enough" after they suffered an eight-wicket defeat at the hands of Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in Dubai on Sunday (October 25).

Despite the loss, RCB are well and truly on their way to the playoffs with 14 points from 11 games and need only one win to officially secure a place.

"140-plus is a competitive total on that pitch, we were targeting 150. I thought we still could have bowled change of pace and the odd bouncer. We weren't expressive enough. We let batsmen dictate stuff," Kohli said at the post-match presentation ceremony.

Riding on opener Ruturaj Gaikwad’s 65 not out off 51 balls, CSK chased down RCB’s 145/6 in 18.4 overs but Kohli reckons that the smooth run-chase wasn't a true reflection of the tricky track that was on offer.

"What you saw in the second innings wasn't a true representation of how the pitch was. They bowled stump to stump. I don't think we got a ball to drive when we batted. Their spinners kept it tight too."

According to the RCB captain, it's all about preparedness on a given day.

"You have to be prepared on a given day to do well. All sides have good players, it's about how you come out onto the park on that particular day.

"We are playing really good cricket and you have to accept you will lose games here and there," he concluded.

(With PTI inputs)