Virat Kohli knows he will have to take a bit more risk and said hitting the sweep shot against the spinners has helped him improve his strike rate, which has been under the scanner this IPL. Kohli was named Player of the Match on Thursday after setting up Royal Challengers Bengaluru's huge 47-ball win over Punjab Kings with a 47-ball 92. He has amassed 634 runs this season at a strike rate of 153.5 and an average of 70.44. “For me it's still about quality over quantity. For me it works very well. Also understanding the game means you have to practice less, just try to replicate what I've done in the past. Still focused on improving aspects of the game that make you I want to be a batsman. It's an evolving process,” he said during the post-match presentation.
“I brought up the slog sweep against the spinners. I haven't practiced it, I know I've hit it in the past. I always try to expose that side of the court against spin. I know I have to take risks , it takes a little bit of conviction, I managed to stay ahead of that thought. I'm trying to keep up with the success rate for me and the team.”
Despite being the most consistent batsman this season, Kohli's strike rate came under the scanner after a few strokes were not in line with modern T20 innings.
This is RCB's fourth win on the trot, keeping their play-off hopes alive.
“To be honest, we weren't good enough in the first half of the tournament. We got to a point where we said don't look at the table, play for self-respect,” Kohli said.
“Make yourself and the fans proud. We have to raise our level. If we had done that earlier, we wouldn't be in a position where we would be dependent on so many factors.”
Frustrating and disappointing: Curran
PBKS skipper Sam Curran was a disappointed man as the side were knocked out with two games to go.
“Frustrating and disappointing. Lots of positive signs, but not enough to get over the line and get the wins we needed. Gutted but a lot to learn,” he said.
'It wasn't a distraction [to miss Shikhar Dhawan] We knew we had the best side for the rest of the tournament and I'm disappointed with the team. Next year I have to come back stronger.
“I enjoyed leading a great group of guys [but] Would have liked to win a few more games. We've had some highs, record chases. The ups and downs have been tough.
“There is a lot of experience in the dressing room, but we have to keep learning. Many disappointments, but we have to keep fighting.”
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