“Trying to maintain the strike-rate…”: Virat Kohli’s big statement after furious innings vs PBKS cricket news

Virat Kohli knows that he will need to take a little more risk and said that playing sweep shots against spinners has helped him improve his strike-rate which has been in question in this IPL. Kohli was named the player of the match on Thursday after he scored 92 runs in 47 balls to lead Royal Challengers Bangalore to a massive 60-run win over Punjab Kings. He has scored 634 runs this season at a strikerate of 153.5 and an average of 70.44. “For me it’s still quality over quantity. For me it works really well. Also the understanding of the game allows you to practice less, just try to repeat what I have done in the past “The aim is still to improve the aspects of the game that I want to be a batsman in. It’s an evolving process,” he said during the post-match presentation.

“I bowled the slogsweep against spinners. I haven’t practiced it, I know I’ve bowled it before. Always try to expose that side of the ground against spin. I know I need to take risks. Yes, it needs a bit of confidence but I am managing to stay ahead of that idea and try to maintain the strike rate for myself and the team.

Despite being the most consistent batsman this season, Kohli’s strike rate came into question after a few innings, which was not in line with modern T20 innings.

This is RCB’s fourth consecutive win, keeping its playoff hopes intact.

“To be honest, we were not that good in the first half of the tournament. We reached a point where we said don’t look at the table, play for self-respect,” Kohli said.

“Make ourselves and the fans proud. We need to raise our standards. If we had done this earlier we would not have been in a position to rely on so many factors.”

Disappointing and disappointing: Curran

PBKS captain Sam Curran was disappointed as the team was eliminated with two games remaining.

He said, “Disappointing and disappointing. Lots of positive signs but not enough to get over the line and get the win we need. Disappointed but there is a lot to learn.”

“Wasn’t a distraction [to miss Shikhar Dhawan] We knew we were the best team for the rest of the tournament and I’m disappointed for that team. Have to come back stronger next year.

“Enjoyed leading a large group of people [but] I would love to win a few more games. We have achieved some lofty, record goals. The ups and downs have been tough.

“There is a lot of experience in the dressing room but we have to keep learning. There is a lot of disappointment but we have to keep fighting.”

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