Sharjah: Royal Challengers Bangalore skipper Virat Kohli on Sunday said it’s an “amazing feeling” to qualify for the IPL play-offs with a couple of games to spare and now they are eyeing to finish in the top two in the standings.
RCB beat Punjab Kings by six runs to make it to their second successive IPL play-offs on Sunday. And proved to be one of the most consistent teams so far in IPL 2021. This is Kohli’s final stint as RCB captain as he is ready to step down from the post from next year.
RCB are yet to win an IPL trophy and if Kohli can win it in his final year as captain, he would add a big feather to his already illustrious cap.
“It feels amazing (qualification). I don’t think after 2011, we may have left matches and qualified for the playoffs, but it’s a good position. Eight wins out of 12 games is a great campaign for the team.” Virat Kohli said at the post match presentation.
The Indian skipper however pointed out some areas which his team has to improve to get into top two. “We still have to improve in some areas, so that we work on those areas and get into the top 2. It was not an easy wicket. When you don’t have any wickets on the scoreboard, you Can take more risks. That’s what me and Padikkal have to do. 15-20 runs can be important at this ground, we have to play in those areas. There is a qualifier and an eliminator to play. As a side, we have lost. At the same time, have tried to improve the win as well.” Kohli added.
2️⃣ points secured. ✅
Qualification for playoffs. ✅How pumped are you, 12th Man Army? 👊🏻👊🏻#PlayBold #WeAreChallengers #ನಮ್ಮRCB #IPL2021 #RCBvPBKS pic.twitter.com/s610Lr0dEP
— Royal Challengers Bangalore (@RCBTweets) October 3, 2021
“Now we have two more opportunities to make it to the top two and that gives the added motivation to play even more fearlessly. The first huddle for any team is qualification. We still have areas to improve so that we work on those areas and get into the top 2.”
RCB became the team to reach the playoffs, behind Chennai Super Kings and Delhi Capitals. Further praising the rest of the team, Kohli said, “The resurgence of (Mohammed) Siraj, ever since he has done well in Test cricket. Harshal’s inclusion has been fantastic. Yuvi has bowled well and Shahbaz has been fantastic. Garton came and made an instant impact. An IPL campaign is as good as it gets. That’s the way the team plays. If the players don’t step up, the campaign can go on fast. This year people have taken ownership and responsibility,” the RCB skipper signed off.
