Former captain Virat Kohli said he was in awe of Rajat Patidar’s hundred for Royal Challengers Bangalore against Lucknow Super Giants in the big-ticket IPL 2022 Eliminator, adding he hasn’t seen many better knocks than that in the history of the tournament.
RCB got off to a poor start after KL Rahul won the toss and opted to bowl as they lost captain Faf du Plessis for a golden duck. However, Patidar, who was signed as a replacement player by RCB after the Maharahstra batter went unsold at the auction, came in at No. 3 and put the pressure right back on the LSG bowlers.
Patidar hit 112 not out from just 54 balls, smashing 7 sixes and 12 boundaries in a knock that gave a match-winning total of 207. Patidar stitched a 66-run stand Virat Kohli and remained unbeaten after getting to the landmark century.
“I told him as well after the game as well that I have seen many impact innings and many innings under pressure over so many years. I have not seen many better than how Rajat played today. Under pressure, big game, first uncapped player,” Kohli said.
“The magnitude of the game was so big that I was feeling the tension in the air because I have been in those situations where you have to cross the line as a team.
“What he did was very very special, I don’t think that anyone should take that for granted. You should understand the excellence of the innings and appreciate as a cricketer to watch an innings like that,” Kohli added.
“All in all we are very happy we got across the line.
“The best thing is that we have one day (break) and then we play again. We travel tomorrow, so absolutely can’t wait to get to Ahmedabad and take the field again. We are so excited, we have played good cricket. Hopefully, 2 more games and we all can celebrate,” Kohli added.
