Royal Challengers Bangalore’s (RCB) stand-in skipper Virat Kohli heaped praise on Mohammed Siraj after his team’s seven-run win over Rajasthan Royals (RR) at Chinnaswamy Stadium on Sunday (April 23).
Siraj continued his stellar run in the ongoing IPL, dismissing Jos Buttler for a second-ball duck and Kohli said that the right-arm pacer is in the best form of his life.
Virat also provided update on Josh Hazlewood’s much-awaited return from injury, hinting that the Australian fast bowler might be available for RCB’s next match.
“Phenomenal, he's got him (Jos Buttler) out in the past and he's bowling as well as I've ever seen. Running in with the new ball he shows that intent and the confidence, he has the Purple Cap and for good reason. He's leading the attack and hopefully Josh comes in next game,” Kohli said at the post-match presentation ceremony.
Harshal Patel was the stand-bowler for RCB against RR, returning with the figures of 3 for 32 in his four-over spell. Defending 20 runs in the final over, Harshal conceded only 10 and also dismissed R Ashwin on the fourth delivery.
“He (Harshal Patel) always bowls the tough overs, not easy at Chinnaswamy. He's closed out games against DC and today as well. So massive credit to the way he has performed. We trust him to deliver at the death. Whenever Hazlewood comes in, we might look like a different attack,” Kohli added.
Coming to the match, RCB piled up a massive 189/9 on the board. Glenn Maxwell starred with the bat for the hosts as he slammed 77 off 44 balls. RCB’s regular captain Faf du Plessis, who played this game as an Impact Player, also played a stunning knock of 39-ball 62.
“To be honest, we had this discussion during toss. The pitch looked dry and I mentioned to the guys that they will have 10 overs under lights which is very difficult out here. The advantage was the ball got scuffed up.
“However, with the impact player rule and the extra batter, games are always on. That's why so many close games. The counter-attack from Maxi and Faf was even better than the Chennai game, it was a better surface that day. Maxi took the game away in just four overs. We thought 160 might be enough but the way they batted helped us to 190,” Kohli remarked.
Royal Challengers Bangalore will next face Kolkata Knight Riders at Chinnaswamy Stadium on Wednesday (April 26).
