I'm trying to make sure the game doesn't get stagnant: Kohli

New Delhi, April 27 (PTI) Virat Kohli, opened his batting methodology on Sunday, saying that his focus remains on analyzing the circumstances and turning the strike, while still writing a successful chase to raise Royal Challengers Bengaluru to the top of the IPL table with a six win over Delhi. With the chase 163, RCB was reduced to 26 for 3 before Kohli (51) and Krunal Pandya (73 not out) shared an 119 run from 84 to review the target in 18.3 overs and expand their unbeaten run away from home. “It was a top victory, especially to look at the surface. We saw a few games here and this wicket played differently compared to those. Every time there is a chase, I’m going on with the dugout, whether we’re on track,” said Kohli, who was wearing the Orange Pet after victory. “I try to make sure my singles and doubles do not stop so that the game does not stagnate. People forget the importance of partnerships and it comes up in this tournament to try to dominate the bowlers through partnerships and professionalism.” It was Krunal’s first fifty since 2016. “Krunal was excellent, he could make an impact and it was only time. We communicated beautifully, Krunal kept me saying to stay as he took his chances,” Kohli said. After the dismissal of Kohli, Tim David knocked down 19 runs just five balls to hit the winning runs. Kohli talked about the Afrounder and said, “We have the extra power in Tim David, there is also Jitesh. That firepower at the back of the turn definitely helps you. And now also Romario.” Former RCB skipper praised the bowlers, saying: “Hazlewood and Bhuvi are world-class bowlers, there is a reason why Josh has the press cap. Krunal was excellent as he set out his pace. Suyash was the dark horse for us, even if he did not hold the wickets.” We were 10-15 runs short: Axar ===================== Delhi Capitals captain Axar Patel said his team had 10-15 runs short of a competitive total and had the missed chances of the six wickets loss. “I feel like our 10-15 runs were short. I thought in the first innings, the wicket was a little tough, but because of dew, it relieved it in the second innings,” he said. “The intention was the same, but the wicket was a two -pack. After Dew came in, it got easier, we didn’t think anything we could have done differently. If a batter could accelerate, we could get 10-15 runs extra. ‘ KL batted well, so I wanted him at number 4. One side of the ground was shorter, so we were on the no. 4. “His 73 not out, said he was pleased to perform on his assigned role in the team. “It’s always good to see the results. Sometimes when you put the hard work behind the scenes and feel good when it comes down. It’s very satisfying,” he said. “My role was clear. If we lose three early wickets, I can make sure we stitch a partnership. We have such great power hitters – David, Jitesh and Shepherd. side is, it is fairly easy. As a bowler, I’ve always wanted to be a step forward. I worked on my bowling. So, if you see the variations in speed. “When I know the strength of the batsmen, I try to use it to my advantage. Glad that it uses my favor. Over a period, the batsmen get better. As a bowler, I realized that we must be a step ahead.” First Published: 28 Apr 2025, 12:01 am Ist