Twice reprieved Kohli sets tone for RCB; Punjab Kings drop out of IPL playoffs

I needed to take risks: Kohli Amid the chatter around his strike rate, Virat Kohli on Thursday said “I know I need to take risks” and bringing out the slog sweep against Punjab Kings spinners helped him score at a better clip. Kohli was adjudged the Player of the Match after he set up Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s massive 60-run win over Punjab Kings with a 47-ball 92. This IPL season, he has amassed 634 runs at a strike rate 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 replicate what I have done in the past. Still aiming to improve aspects of the game that you want to get batter at. It’s an evolving process,” Kohli said at the post-match presentation.

Dharamsala, May 10:

In a high-octane encounter at the IPL 2024, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) showcased their dominance with a resounding 60-run victory over Punjab Kings on Thursday.

The match witnessed a display of exceptional cricketing prowess as RCB solidified their position in the tournament while Punjab Kings faced an untimely exit, becoming the second team after Mumbai Indians to bow out early.

The match, held at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium in Dharamsala, witnessed an extraordinary batting performance led by Virat Kohli, coupled with exemplary fielding efforts.

Kohli, who rode on strokes of fortune after being dropped twice early in his innings, showcased his masterclass with a scintillating knock of 92 runs off just 47 deliveries. Teaming up with Rajat Patidar, who played an aggressive innings of 55 runs off 23 balls, Kohli set the stage with a blistering 76-run partnership.

Contributions from Cameron Green (46 off 27) and Dinesh Karthik (18 off 7) further propelled RCB to a formidable total of 241/7.

The fielding brilliance of RCB, highlighted by a stunning catch from Faf du Plessis and a crucial run-out by Kohli, complemented Karn Sharma’s impressive bowling spell of 2/29. These efforts led to Punjab Kings being bowled out for 181 runs in just 17 overs.

Despite a promising start from Punjab Kings, with Rilee Rossouw smashing a fifty off just 21 balls, RCB’s Karn Sharma turned the tide with vital breakthroughs. The wily leg-spinner dismissed key batsmen, including Rossouw and Impact Player Jitesh Sharma, to derail Punjab Kings’ chase.

RCB’s relentless bowling attack, led by Mohammad Siraj and Lockie Ferguson, ensured regular wickets, ultimately limiting Punjab Kings to 181 runs.

Earlier in the match, amidst dramatic twists and turns, Kohli’s early reprieves set the stage for an eventful encounter. Debutant Vidwath Kaverappa’s roller-coaster debut saw him claim crucial wickets, including that of Faf du Plessis. However, missed opportunities haunted both sides, with dropped catches shaping pivotal moments in the match.

Kohli’s commanding performance, supported by the dynamic partnership with Patidar and late fireworks from Karthik and Green, propelled RCB to a commanding victory. With this win, RCB continues to strengthen its position in the IPL standings, showcasing formidable form and determination in the ongoing tournament.