Cameron Green lauded star batter Virat Kohli for playing a “vintage” innings to keep RCB in the race. File
| Photo Credit: AP

Cameron Green lauded star batter Virat Kohli for playing a “vintage” innings to keep Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the race to the IPL playoffs.

Kohli made full use of the three reprieves, including one on zero, to make a 47-ball 92 that set the tone for their 60-run win over Punjab Kings in a must-win match here on May 9.

“He played the vintage Virat that we all know. It was a beautiful watch from the other end. That’s the beauty of having Virat in your team, as opposition you can’t give him that many chances,” said Green in the post-match press meet.

The Australian all-rounder, who helped himself to a 27-ball 46, said Kohli was trying to be aggressive and the drops did not affect him.

“He’s always going to make you hurt, especially if you drop him three or four times. Early in his innings, he was trying to be really aggressive. I think he looked like after a couple of dropped catches, he didn’t have much to lose,” added Green.

The Bengaluru side still need to win their remaining two matches against Delhi Capitals and Chennai Super Kings at home to remain in the mix for playoffs.

Green said the team has done well to win four matches on the bounce after a string of defeats.

“Yeah, I think what we’ve done really well is just look at the next game. I think obviously at the start of the tournament you can always look further at what’s coming up, where are we on the table.”

“But I think that’s the beauty of where we were at (now), we kind of were pushed into a corner and all we could really do was focus on the next game,” he added

Meanwhile, Punjab Kings assistant coach Brad Haddin blamed the dropped catches for his side’s defeat.

The Kings let-off Kohli and Green more than once and they bruised them with quickfire knocks as RCB posted a tall 241 for seven.

In reply, PBKS could only manage 181 before getting bundled out.

“100 percent we lost the match because of dropped catches. If we look through the game, we dropped two guys on a duck, and both of them scored big runs. That was where the game was lost.

“There was not too much difference in the batting and bowling of both teams. The catches we put down cost us the game,” said Haddin.

RCB’s Virat Kohli also didn’t forget to mention that whether it is cricket in the Olympic programme or T20 World Cup in the USA, he is ‘The Face’.
| Photo Credit: Murali Kumar K

Virat Kohli didn’t say it in as many words but sent out a loud message to all who would care to listen — he is not done with T20 cricket when the establishment still considers him to be the most marketable name to promote the game globally.

Kohli, who took a two-month paternity break, scored a match-winning 77 off 49 balls with 11 fours and two sixes and also didn’t forget to mention that whether it is cricket in the Olympic programme or T20 World Cup in the USA, he is ‘The Face’.

“I know my name is now attached to just promoting the game in different parts of the world when it comes to T20 cricket. I’ve still got it I guess,” he smiled cheekily but the message was for those who would debate his spot in the T20 World Cup squad.

While he has now briefly got the Orange Cap, he said that he is past that stage where these things matter anymore.

“I don’t play for these Caps anymore. That’s the promise I can give here — I’ll keep turning up and keep trying me best.” He was a trifle disappointed that he couldn’t finish the game.

“I try to give the team a blazing start, but if wickets fall, you have to assess. Wasn’t the usual flat pitch. Disappointed I couldn’t finish the game. The ball was in the slot but sliced it to deep point.” He has started hitting the lofted cover drive and it is his constant endeavour to evolve as a batter.

“They know I play the cover drive well, so they’re not going to allow me to hit gaps. You have to come up with a game plan here and there.” For the RCB fans, he still is and will remain the ‘King’.

“It’s been going on for years (love story with the fans at Chinnaswamy). People talk about a lot of other things when you play sport — achievement, stats, numbers.

“But when you look back, it’s the memories you create as Rahul bhai (Dravid) always tells us that this time will not come back.

“The love, appreciation and backing I’ve received has been amazing.” The two month paternity break also gave him a chance to lead a normal life and a “chance to spend time and connect” with his elder child – daughter Vamika.

“Just to feel normal for two months — for me, my family — it was a surreal experience. Couldn’t have been more grateful to God for the opportunity to spend time with the family. It’s an amazing experience to just be another person on the road and not be recognised. Then you come here and you hear them shout your name and you are switched on.”