IPL 2018: Virat Kohli ecstatic after RCB’s clinical show against KXIP

RCB raced to victory in 8.1 overs after Umesh Yadav-led bowling attack ripped through Kings XI Punjab's batting line-up.

Virat had a special praise reserve for Umesh Yadav, who claimed 3 for 23 in his 4 overs | IANS

Virat Kohli was an elated captain as Royal Challengers Bangalore steamrolled Kings XI Punjab by 10 wickets at the Holkar Cricket Stadium, Indore on Monday (May 14).

RCB accomplished the thumping win in just 8.1 overs after Umesh Yadav-led bowling attack dismantled the KXIP batting line-up to bundle them out for only 88 in 15.1 overs.

Speaking at the post-match presentation ceremony, Virat said: "The last one week has been really crazy for us. At one stage, we thought we were down and out. But the way other games went, the points table opened up suddenly. Now we just got to win our two games left, run rate is quite good. Couldn't have asked for a more clinical performance. No negatives to point out today. Perfect game for us."

The RCB skipper also hailed his bowling unit and had a special praise reserve for Umesh Yadav, who dented the KXIP batting with 3 for 23 in his 4 overs.

"Kings XI thought that we would be intimidated by their openers on this small field but the way our bowlers started and took the batsmen out, they knew that they couldn't make any mistakes. Umesh was brilliant, taking those two big wickets in the same over. We kept picking wickets throughout and that was crucial," he added.

Kohli revealed that they were mentally prepared to chase down any target given that Holkar is a high scoring venue.

"Very important because that's been the trend at this ground and we knew that they will try extra with their mystery spinner not playing. We knew we could bank on that factor. They were trying to get 30 extra due to that. The big shot kept coming and we kept taking wickets. As I said, it was a perfect day right from the toss. We fancy chasing down big totals and we like to intimidate the opposition like that," Virat asserted.

"One big partnership usually does the trick in T20s and the way me and AB bat, the opposition know what can happen. We want to take responsibility as batsmen, the toss may not go well every time. One is at home and we have the right momentum," he explained.

RCB will take on Sunrisers Hyderabad and Rajasthan Royals in their remaining two games and Kohli feels that nothing to lose situation will bring the best out of them.

"We are in the nothing-to-lose zone and it will work well for us. Other teams will be wary of a team with such mindset. We aren't going to get too ahead of ourselves. The last game will be interesting if we can get the next one. We still got three days till the next game, we just want to enjoy the break till then," Virat Kohli concluded.

 
 

By Salman Anjum - 15 May, 2018

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