Amid the chatter around his strike rate, Virat Kohli on Thursday said "I know I need to take risks" and bringing out the slog sweep against Punjab Kings spinners helped him score at a better clip. (As It Happened | Scorecard)
Kohli was adjudged the Player of the Match after he set up Royal Challengers Bengaluru's massive 60-run win over Punjab Kings with a 47-ball 92. This IPL season, he has amassed 634 runs at a strike 𓄧rate of 153.5 and an average of 🧸70.44.
"For me, it's still quali🌳ty over quantity. For me, it works really well. Also the understanding of the game allows you to practice less, just try to replicate what I have done in the past. Still aiming to improve aspects of the game that you want to get better at. It's an evolving process," Kohli said at the post-match presentation.
"I brought out the slog sweep against the spinners. I didn't practice it, I know I have hit it in the past. Always looking to expose that side of the field ag𝔍ainst spin. I know I need to take risks, it needs a bit of conviction.
"I have been ma⭕naging to stay ahead of that thought. I am trying to keep up with the strike rate for me an🌌d the team."
Despite being the most consistent batter 🔥this season, Kohli's strike rate has often been♈ a subject of discussion.
🌳This is RCB's fourth win on the trot which kept their slim playoff ho💎pes alive.
"Have to🌼 be honest, we were not good e♚nough in the first half of the tournament. We got to a point where we said don't look at the table, play for self-respect," Kohli said.
"Make 𒐪yourselves proud and the fans. We need to raise our level. If we had done so earlier we would be in a posit🙈ion needing to rely on so many factors."
Frustrating and disappointing: Curran
PBKS skipper Sam Curran was a disappointed man as the team was eliminated with two 𒊎games left.
"Frustrating and disappoꦬinting. A lot of positive signs but not enough to get over the line and get the win൩s we needed. Gutted but lots to learn," he said.
"Wasn't a distraction (to miss Shikhar Dhawan). We knew we had the best side for the rest of the tournament and I'm gutted for the team. Got to♏ come back stronger next year.
"Enjoyed leading a great bunch of guys (but) would have loved to have won a few more games🅘. We've had some highs, and record chases. The ups and downs have been ෴tough.
"There's lots of🐼 experience in the dressing room but have to keep learning. Lots of disappointment but we have to keep fighting."
