It has been a honour for me to bat with AB De Villiers: Virat Kohli

Virat Kohli and run chases go synonymous with one another. Yet again yesterday, we saw him step up in a prolific run chase for the Royal Challengers Bangalore. It was the Kohli-ABD show at the Ferozeshah Kotla as both combined for a splendour 118 run partnership for the third wicket.

The Royal Challengers Bangalore are still optimistic regarding their chances to qualify for the playoffs. Currently placed at the seventh position on the points table, RCB needs to win all their remaining games and then wait for certain results to go their way. Skipper Kohli hasn’t given up already as he spoke about the chase and the importance of NRR at this stage.

Bowling first is better at this stage, you can almost set up the game how you like

Kohli conceded that the bowling wasn’t up to the mark. However, he asserted that it was an ideal chase situation for his boys. He felt that chasing gave them the authority to set up the game. However, he ruled upon getting out earlier since they couldn’t increase the NRR.

“We were not clinical with the ball, but these guys played well. The chase, however, was ideal. Bowling first is better at this stage, because it’s easier for batsmen to take responsibility. You can almost set up the game how you like. That’s what works for our boys. I was disappointed getting out since we had the run-rate in control. Wanted to finish it with three overs to spare and get the net run-rate up. It cost us 10-12 balls to get the victory.” He was quoted as saying by PTI.

AB told me Don’t worry, we’ll get this

While Kohli scored a splendid 70 runs from 40 balls, AB de Villiers stayed till the end to score a fantastic 72(37). Both have been star batsmen for RCB over the years and yet again, we saw a masterclass partnership from both of them. Kohli spoke about his innings with ABD and described it as an honour to bat with him.

“It is lovely batting with AB. We have done this many times in the past. It was a stiff chase, but in the mid-innings break, AB told me ‘don’t worry, we’ll get this’, and that helped me get in the zone. I don’t need to say much. It has been an honour for me to bat with him.”

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