IPL 2021: Bit Of A Wake-Up Call - RCB Captain Virat Kohli On Loss To KKR

Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) captain Virat Kohli said his side has been given their wakeup call by Eoin Morgan’s Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) on Monday in Abu Dhabi. KKR registered an emphatic 9-wicket win over RCB after bowling them out for 92.

Virat Kohli, who was dismissed for 5 runs in the second over, lamented the failure of the other batsmen to carry on during the middle-overs as Varun Chakravarthy dismantled their middle-order with figures of 3/13 and claimed the Man Of The Match award.

“Was important to get a good partnership. We didn’t expect that much dew to kick in that early. From 42 for 1, we lost 5 wickets for 20-odd. Bit of a wake-up call, might as well have this at the start of the second leg so that we know what we should work on,” Virat Kohli said at the post-match ceremony.

The RCB skipper reckons that the players may still be rusty, but backs them to shrug all the rustiness from their next game onward.

“You can make the argument that we were rusty but as professionals, you’re expected to turn up and adjust. Sometimes it can take you a game, I hope not two, to get into the tournament, you have to stay with the eight-ball, if you’re not, the other teams will be all over you.

“We have five wins from eight, we expect a loss here and there, it’s part and parcel, need to be professional, stick to our strengths and execute our plans. We have absolute confidence in our squad to pull up next game onwards and put in strong performances,” he elaborated.

Chakravarthy is going to be a key factor when he plays for India: Virat Kohli

Virat Kohli also heaped rich praises on Chakravarthy, who was recently named in India’s 15-man squad for the T20 World Cup. The Indian captain said Chakravarthy will be a crucial man during the mega-event for his country.

“Pretty good from Varun, he’s going to be a key factor when he plays for India. It’s great guys who’ve got the opportunity to play at the international level. He’s someone who is going to play in the near future for India, it’s a great sign,” Virat Kohli added.

KKR move up to the fifth position in the points table having claimed 6 points in 8 matches. They will next face Mumbai Indians on Thursday. RCB, who remain in the third spot with 10 points, will take on Chennai Super Kings in Sharjah on Friday.

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