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Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s (RCB) chase master was at it again on May 13. In the run chase of 193 against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in Raipur, Virat Kohli stood tall as he overcame two consecutive ducks to score his record-extending ninth Indian Premier League (IPL) ton. As RCB won the game by six wickets and reclaimed the top spot on the points table, Kohli opened up about two consecutive ducks and how it bothered him. The veteran opener wanted to make an impact on the game and he did, helping them take one step closer to the playoffs berth.
"The fact that I didn't get many runs in the last two games was, it eats me up in a way that I know I can play well and I'm hitting the ball well," Kohli said in the post-match presentation as he was adjudged the Player of the Match for a record-equalling 21st time in his IPL career.
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"But then, when you don't carry on and you know (that) you haven't created the impact for the team, it bothers you because that's basically been the goal all these years... trying to improve so that you can be the best version for your team when you play out there and make an impact," he added.
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Kohli says ‘pressure is a privilege’
Even after all this years, Kohli admitted that he was nervous after two consecutive ducks. He celebrated getting off the mark more than he did when he reached his century. He said that the nervousness and the failures help him do better.
"The celebration (after completing the century) was not a big one because we know the importance of the points. It is a conscious effort to contribute more to the team," Kohli said.
"There is a reason people say pressure is a privilege -- it keeps you humble. Good pressure always helps you improve your game. A couple of games that do not go your way, you feel a bit of nervousness and that helps you.
"It takes a lot of effort, but it helps your game go up. Those failures are so important because that puts you in a place to get back (to where you have been and do what has got you there)," he added.
Kohli backs his game after 2 ducks
The 37-year-old also revealed that he did not make any tweaks in the way he approached the game, just backed himself to do the basics right.
"... just (focused on) my positions at the crease, not doing anything extravagant and backing my game. Picking length, hitting the gaps (that) I can hit. (I am) happy I was able to back my game," said Kohli.
"I just love batting; that is my core feeling. What an honour (it is) to be competing at this level and against the very best still. (I) just give my heart and soul out there because it is going to finish one day," Kohli remarked.
Kohli says ‘sport teaches you’
Kohli is in his twilight years and he relishes pressure situations instead of letting them dictate terms. He feels that sports builds character and is grateful for the opportunity to bat.
"(I) want to make the most of it, and look forward to pressure situations, where I am feeling a bit of heat and then I challenge myself to just go for it."
"Sport teaches you a lot as a person. You build your character (when you perform under pressure). Even after all these years, it is the love for the game. I just love hitting the ball in the middle of the bat. That joy is still there and it is all God's grace, and I am thankful and grateful," he added.
Kohli back in orange cap race
The unbeaten 105 off 60 balls, featuring 11 fours and three sixes, saw Kohli back among top contenders for the orange cap race. He is third on the list, behind Sunrisers Hyderabad's (SRH) Heinrich Klaasen (508 runs) and Gujarat Titans' (GT) Sai Sudharsan (501 runs) with 484 runs from 12 innings at an average of 53.77 and strike rate of 165.75.
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