Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) suffered their first home defeat of the 2024 IPL season against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) on Friday, March 30. Despite being put to bat first, RCB's batters struggled once again. Virat Kohli, however, played a crucial role with a skillful unbeaten knock of 83 runs, propelling RCB to a commendable total of 182/6. Kohli's knock, which was decorated with four boundaries and as many sixes, came alongside a 65-run partnership with Cameron Green for the second wicket. This partnership was the only significant one for Bangalore as the rest of the batting lineup faltered on a slow pitch. The team's overall performance was a mixed bag, with Kohli's knock being a bright spot.
Many believed RCB's score of 182 was defendable considering the Chinnaswamy Stadium pitch wasn't its usual batting paradise. However, the Kolkata Knight Riders openers shattered those expectations by amassing a massive 85 runs in the powerplay overs. Their dominant batting display secured a comfortable victory with 19 balls remaining. Despite the disheartening loss, the Royal Challengers Bengaluru maintained their team tradition of awarding a player of the match. In this instance, Virat Kohli received the recognition for his valiant knock.
"I really look forward to this hamper. Every night I think about it. But, on a more serious note, we had a tough night, we all know that. We are much better than that so, as long as we accept it, and move forward with the same courage, and the same belief in our skills," Kohli said.
Virat Kohli's impressive form continued as he notched his second consecutive fifty in IPL 2024. This feat helped him reclaim the orange cap from Sunrisers Hyderabad's Heinrich Klaasen. Kohli currently boasts a remarkable average of 90.5, having amassed 181 runs in just three matches. However, his individual brilliance wasn't enough for Royal Challengers Bangalore. Captain Faf du Plessis acknowledged the sluggishness of the pitch, especially in the second half. While Bangalore had a strong start with 61 runs in the powerplay, they faltered in the middle overs. Notably, the team struggled against Andre Russell's off-pace bowling, losing momentum by the time the crucial death overs arrived.
WATCH VIRAT KOHLI's DRESSING ROOM SPEECH HERE
Looks like Kohli's motivational words have lifted up mood around RCB camp post KKR jolt. Faf Du Plessis-led side will certainly look to bounce back in their next clash against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) on April 2.
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