IPL 10: Match 56, Who Said What: Delhi Daredevils v Royal Challengers Bangalore

Even though the match was called as a dead rubber, it proved to be an absolute thriller as the league stages of the IPL came to a close. Royal Challengers Bangalore and Delhi Daredevils both clashed against each other to salvage some pride out of the tournament. Interestingly against all odds, Royal Challengers Bangalore finally were able to break their losing streak as they managed to defend their total of 161.

Virat Kohli ended his drought with the bat scoring 58 off 45 balls. Chris Gayle also treated the spectators at Kotla with his 48, hitting three sixes and three powerful boundaries. Delhi Daredevils kept losing wickets at regular intervals to assist the RCB bowlers constantly. Pawan Negi and Man of the match Harshal Patel picked up three wickets each, as they restricted the home side to 151 by bowling them out in 20 overs. RCB won the match by 11 runs.

Harshal Patel

Man of the match Harshal Patel straightaway expressed his disappointment for warming the benches and not being able to showcase his form with the ball. But the 26-year-old was well prepared in between to be up and ready, to create an impact when the time arrived.

I mean it has not been easy for me, especially with the team losing and me not getting an opportunity to show the kind of form I was in. Finally happy to do the dent. In IPL you have a lot of time to yourself and you have to utillize it. I am always training and making sure that I am ready whenever I get a chance.

Virat Kohli

Virat Kohli in his own cheeky way mentioned that out of the habit of losing games this season, he stepped in to give an interview to Matthew Hayden who usually takes the interview of losing captains. The RCB skipper confirmed that it has been a forgetful season for him as well.

When I met Matthew after the game, I said I thought I had to come to you for interview. It is good to win a game finally. Guys took it as an opportunity. Every game is an opportunity. It has been a season to forget and reflect on. We have to start fresh as a franchise. Maybe a blessing in disguise. Depends on how many players we can retain. But we do have guys who we have identified.

He further added that the win calls for a minor celebration as all the players go off the next day. Virat commended the efforts of Harshal Patel who remained idle throughout the season and displayed his mettle when his chance arrived.

We are really happy to finish off with a win. The guys disperse tomorrow so some celebrations tonight. Both guys playing thier first games bowled their hearts out. Especially, Avesh the way he rushed batsmen on this track was really tough. Not many world class bowlers could do that. And Harshal could not play games this season but when he came, got three wickets. The ball held up a bit there (on the six that he hit off Corey Anderson).

Zaheer Khan

Citing the inexperience in the batting lineup, Zaheer stated that results have held similar scripts in all the matches. The Mumbaikar in Zak wants Mumbai Indians to lift the trophy this season. He even backed Kolkata Knight Rider to go further deep into the tournament.

This has been the story of the season. When we look back we feel we needed to have experience in the batting order. On this kind of wicket when the wicket is slowing down, you need someone who can take it slowly. The game is changing, it is good you can experiment with field placements and all. All and all it is good for cricket, I love every bit of it. I think Mumbai Indians (on asked about which team does he think has a chance this year), they have been very consistent and KKR too will have a great run in the play-offs.

With this match, the round robin league of the matches comes to an end. The focus now shifts to the main event of the tournament. Mumbai Indians and Rising Pune Supergiant face off for the third time in the tournament in the first qualifier in Bengaluru.