Virat Kohli has said that Royal Challengers Bangalore's away win over Sunrisers Hyderabad has given them their "two most important points" in the last three years. The win took Royal Challengers to second position with 15 points, almost sealing their playoff spot with a home game left against Delhi Daredevils. The last time Royal Challengers made the playoffs was in 2011.
"These are the two most important points in the last three years for us. Hyderabad is the team that have cost us dearly in 2012 and 2013," Kohli said. "This victory feels really satisfying because we needed these two points. To be able to do it in a shortened game again… this is the fourth game we have played that has been hit by rain. The last one hurt in Mohali as we just had to rush onto the field, (but we) got a bit of time for this one to prepare."
Kohli made an unbeaten 44 off 19, and hit Bhuvneshwar Kumar for three successive boundaries in the sixth and final over as Royal Challengers chased 81 with a ball to spare. Kohli and Chris Gayle had put on 43 for the opening partnership in 2.2 overs but then the latter and AB de Villiers fell to Moises Henriques off successive deliveries. Kohli said that had made Royal Challengers' task much harder.
"It was pretty tough when Gayle and AB got out back-to-back balls. It is always a tough pill to swallow when Chris and AB get out chasing 13-14 an over. Eventually you just have to relax yourself, take a deep breath and get back to work. There is nothing you can do about that. I just decided to play percentage shots, pick my areas, keep a strong base, choose the balls that are to be hit and run quick because the field was big, so put pressure on running those twos as well.
"It was a mixed bag of thoughts (before the chase started). Someone said if it rained for 15 more minutes, there won't be any game left and we would get one point. The other side of me said 'Okay, fine, if we have to go out there and fight it out so be it'. To take the team across the line is a special feeling. This is what a cricketer craves. These sort of moments remain special in your career and you remember them for a long time. I am glad we went out there and we got the right result."
With four needed off the last two balls, Kohli swung Bhuvneshwar down the ground. David Warner took the catch in the deep but even as he started celebrating, he stepped on to the boundary. Kohli said that sight would stay with him for a while.
"I never thought I could see that far because I wear contacts on the field, but that one I clearly saw. That compression in foam is something that will be very special in my memory. I knew instantly that he stepped on it. I saw his body language as well. That is a tough one. He is a great fielder - one of the best in the world. Sometimes in pressure situations, even the best can falter, can drop catches as well. I feel for him but getting those two points feels very, very good."
Royal Challengers have won six of their last eight games and Daniel Vettori, their coach, credited Kohli's captaincy for the success. "If you look through our winning streak over the last six-seven games, it's been led by Virat," Vettori said. "His leadership has gone a long way for us. To go out there in a pressure situation after a really tough bowling effort, to stand up as a leader and win the game for the team is something very special."
