In a remarkable display of batting prowess, Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) captain Virat Kohli smashed his sixth century in the Indian Premier League (IPL) on Thursday, disregarding criticism of his strike rate. Kohli’s unbeaten knock of 100 runs off 63 balls, accompanied by captain Faf du Plessis’ contribution of 71 runs, propelled RCB to an eight-wicket victory against the Sunrisers Hyderabad.
Addressing concerns about his strike rate in the IPL, Kohli stated that he does not pay attention to past numbers and does not care about external opinions. Despite the pressure he puts on himself, he emphasized that he takes pride in his ability to win games for his team. Kohli acknowledged that he tends to be labeled as a player who delivers only a few impactful innings in the IPL, but he believes he has performed consistently well throughout his career.
The RCB captain, known for his focus on playing according to the situation, expressed his preference for staying true to his technique rather than playing extravagant shots. With Test cricket coming up after the IPL, Kohli highlighted the importance of preserving his form and finding ways to contribute to his team’s success.
Reflecting on the significance of his century in such a crucial match, Kohli mentioned that the Sunrisers Hyderabad had posted a challenging total, and the pitch offered some assistance to the bowlers. He credited du Plessis for his exceptional form and compared their partnership to his previous successful pairing with AB de Villiers. Kohli attributed their success to their understanding of each other’s game and their ability to effectively take the game forward.
The RCB captain expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support from the crowd, even in an away match. He acknowledged the cheers and encouragement he received and considered it a privilege to bring joy to so many people. Kohli expressed his satisfaction with the loyal fan base and recognized the genuine support he receives without any coercion.
Faf du Plessis, impressed by the team’s clinical performance with both bat and ball, deemed the chase as amazing. Despite Heinrich Klaasen’s century for the Sunrisers, du Plessis believed that a score of around 200 was a par score on the given wicket conditions. He highlighted the effective partnership between himself and Kohli, emphasizing their ability to hit different areas and their strong camaraderie on and off the field.
Looking ahead, du Plessis stressed the importance of carrying the momentum into their next match, which is another must-win game for RCB. He acknowledged the challenges of playing in away conditions but expressed confidence in the team’s ability to deliver a strong performance at the Chinnaswamy Stadium, their home ground.
Virat Kohli’s record-equalling century and RCB’s convincing victory not only propelled them into playoff contention but also silenced critics of Kohli’s strike rate. As the IPL season progresses, Kohli’s outstanding form and determination to contribute to his team’s success will be crucial factors in RCB’s quest for the championship.
