IPL 2018: We Deserve to Lose this Game - Virat Kohli

Virat Kohli’s team selection has come under the scanner. Known for continually changing his playing XI in whites, the Royal Challengers Bangalore skipper will have to explain a few of his decisions, maybe once he settles down after a long shower.

The loss at the hands of Hyderabad means RCB’s run is very much over and the five-run defeat will give a shot on the arm of Rohit Sharma and his men in blue, who are crawling very close to the top four bracket.

Bangalore failed to chase down 147 after Tim Southee and Mohammed Siraj bagged three wickets each to provide the batters with an ideal opportunity to gun down the total.

Didn’t show enough application: Kohli

After the game, Kohli spoke on the unwanted result. He said his side was not up to the mark and added that 10-15 runs less would have turned the game in their favour.

“That’s how this game goes. Not good enough, not up to the mark. We deserve to lose this game. Didn’t show enough application. The kind of shots we played were not on at that stage. Mandeep, de Grandhomme showed there was a chance if you got stuck in. This has been the story of our season. 10-15 lesser would’ve been ideal, should have done better with the ball, we were upto the mark on the field.”

The skipper also praised the Hyderabad players for putting up a good show and said it is the character under pressure that has worked for them.

“If you have strong characters in the team you can always do well in such a tournament. Sunrisers have quite a few guys in the team – that has been the story of their season. They understand their team and that’s why they have been so successful. They understand their strengths, know their limitations. That’s been their story and this has been ours. As an all-round team Chennai and Punjab are good. As a bowling team, Sunrisers are the strongest team.” the 29-year-old said.