Virat Kohli-led Royal Challengers Bangalore yet again missed the chance to grab the Indian Premier League (IPL) trophy after they were bowled out of the race for the play-offs by on Saturday. Chasing a target of 165 runs, RCB folded up for 134 runs in 19.2 overs.
Disappointed with team’s performance in a must-win game, Virat Kohli blamed the middle-order for team’s dismissal show.
“We were in a great position. 75/1, and the way we were bundled out wasn’t ideal. Someone like AB who can hit fours and sixes was knocking it around so the others didn’t support him and apply themselves. We needed more smart decision-making” he said in the post-match presentation.
“We wanted to strengthen the middle-order which hasn’t happened, it hasn’t been our strength and we need to do that going into the next few seasons. We need to be smarter with composing our team. The responsibility cannot be taken up only by AB all the time. He certainly scored runs, but others need to contribute around him, and didn’t show enough composure,” Kohli added.
Kohli, however, heaped praises on bowlers and said: “There were some new players who did well. Umesh bowled extremely well with the new ball, Chahal was great, Siraj and Moeen contributed too, so plenty of positives to take into the next season.”
