Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) batter Virat Kohli says that one has to constantly make additions to their game to keep improving. Kohli made the comments after RCB pulled a heist against Punjab Kings (PBKS) on March 25 and won their first match of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 season.
Kohli played an important role with 49-ball 77 during which he stepped out to PBKS pacers multiple times.
“Well I mean you have to (make additions to your game),” he said about playing pacers while stepping out as opposed to his natural game of playing from the crease.
Jasprit Bumrah leaves Stuart Broad, Steve Smith speechless with ruthless spell against GT
“People know I play the cover drive pretty well so they’re not going to allow me to hit gaps and with guys like KG [Kagiso Rabada] and Arshdeep [Singh] as well, he’s tall. So, I mean, if they’re hitting length, you have to create some momentum in the ball.
“And once you’re closer to the ball, you kind of negate the bounce that’s going to happen. You meet it earlier.
“So, I mean, you have to come up with a game plan here and there and try to keep improving your game,” Kohli added.
Kohli has returned to competitive cricket after two months in the IPL 2024 and will be the mainstay of RCB as they search for their maiden trophy.
As for the game against PBKS, RCB and Kohli were in command in chase of 177 till the 16th over. Two quick wickets including Kohli, however, pegged them back with 47 needed off the last 22 balls and four wickets in hand. RCB’s impact player Mahipal Lomror and veteran Dinesh Karthik then added the rest of the runs in just 18 balls to take their team home.
Lomror hit an 8-ball 17 while Karthik smashed a 10-ball 28 as RCB chased the target in 19.2 overs. Kohli was named Player of the Match for his innings and two catches. Bengaluru will next play Kolkata Knight Riders on Friday, March 29.