Virat Kohli was named man-of-the-match in IPL 2022 for the first time after his 54-ball 73 penned an 8-wicket win for Royal Challengers Bangalore against Gujarat Titans at Wankhede Stadium on Thursday.
Virat Kohli said he was happy to contribute to a crucial win for RCB who needed a win to finish the league stage with 16 points and added he could continue as usual and insisted there were no problems at all .
“I can go on, there are no problems at all. It was an important game,” Kohli told Star Sports after winning the man-of-the-match award. “I was disappointed that I didn’t do enough for the team.
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“Today (Thursday) was a game where I was able to make an impact for the team.. this puts us in a good position. You have to keep the perspective right. You can forget the process to meet the expectations I worked very hard .
“I hit the net for 90 minutes yesterday (Wednesday). I came in very free and relaxed,” Kohli said during the post-match presentation.
Virat Kohli said he felt with the bat with the very first shot at Mohammed Shami and went on to record his highest score of the season.
“With Shami’s very first shot, I felt like I could throw balls over the fielder’s head. I knew tonight was the night I could kick off. It was great to have so much support this edition. I’m all for always grateful for all the love I’ve never seen before,” Kohli said.
Virat Kohli’s innings were packed with Rashid Khan’s 8 fours and 2 sixs as he returned to form in style.
Virat Kohli, the leading points scorer in the history of the IPL, had endured poor form for RCB’s final league game against table top Gujarat Titans.
Virat Kohli had scored three golden ducks and had hit half a century against GT in their previous encounter. However, that fifty was Kohli’s slowest ever in the IPL.
On Thursday, RCB captain Faf du Plessis said Virat Kohli was training hard at the nets. Kohli said before the game against GT he was open to the idea of taking a break, but he was constantly supported by the team management to get it right.
“Virat had thrown in the hard yards. I play the part with him and get him pumped up. He has so many emotions and he pulls you through it. It’s like playing a rugby game,” du Plessis told Star Sports.
In last week’s match against Punjab Kings, Virat Kohli had had a quick start, but despite a good start, he didn’t get off to a good start. However, it all ended well for the former RCB captain, who could now be powerful if RCB makes the play-offs, provided other results are their way.