Royal Challengers Bangalore came up with a splendid performance to beat Rajasthan Royals by seven wickets in the IPL 2021 clash in UAE. Meanwhile, here's who skipper Virat Kohli credits.
It seems like Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) has found new momentum in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021, as it defeated former champion Rajasthan Royals (RR) by seven wickets in Match 43 at the Dubai International Stadium on Wednesday. The win keeps RCB in the third spot, besides keeping in solid contention for the playoffs.
It was RCB's second win of the UAE leg, having suffered twin losses initially. Meanwhile, skipper Virat Kohli has been elated with these twin wins and hailed his bowlers to get the side back into the winning groove.
"Couple of important things are clicking: middle-overs bowling is one. If you take wickets, you can change the game. And batting also, we've got a few good opening starts. Devdutt and I have focused on giving the team a good start so that the middle-order with AB, Bharat, and Maxwell can make more. Boys have stepped up, so that's been key for us," he said post match.
"The break was tough as you saw initially. We were blown away in Game 1. That defeat gave us confidence, though. In the second game, we were not quite there either; we left 25-30 out there with the bat. But, last two games, we have been going in the right direction. Slowly, but surely, we are getting in the groove," he added.
Speaking about the win against RR, Kohli once again hailed his bowlers for getting the job done. He also backed his side to play bold and fearless cricket in the coming games to seal their playoffs berth soon.
"We have come back strongly in two games back-to-back with the ball, which is a great sign. We know if you can hold your nerve with the ball, you're going in the right direction. In both games, the opponents were 56/0 in the powerplay, but in both games, we took wickets to ensure the opposition does not get away," he continued.
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"We knew that with the kind of bowling attack we have, things can open up when we take wickets. As batters, you can't take too many risks when you're searching for two points, too, so we went to look for mistakes from their batters. Lewis hit a few sixes, and it was courageous from Garton and the others. We've got the rewards because we've been fearless and confident in the moments that the game can go either way," he concluded.