New Delhi, Apr 28: Krunal Pandya’s 73(47) and Virat Kohli’s 51(47) have helped Royal Challengers Bengaluru beat Delhi Capitals by six wickets. Chasing 163 runs, the visitors were reduced to 26/3 in the middle overs; however, the partnership between Kohli and Krunal ensured RCB got over the line to register their sixth away win this season.Krunal Pandya, Player of the Match: It is always good to see the results. Sometimes when you have put the hard work behind the scenes and feels good when it comes off. It is quite satisfying. My role was clear. If we lose three early wickets, I can go in Make sure we stitch a partnership. We have such great powerhitters – David, Jitesh and Shepherd. We can take down the bowling. Glad that I fulfilled my role. When Virat is at the other end, it is quite easy. First 20 balls, It was scratchy for me. But he kept backing me. Then I got my mojo back. So, a lot of credit to Virat. I have always been an economical bowler. As a bowler, I have always wanted to be one step ahead. I have worked on my bowling. So, if you see the variations in speed. Knowing the batsmen’s strength, I am trying to use it to my advantage. Glad it is going in my favour. Over a period of time, batsmanship is getting better. As a bowler, I have realized we need to be one step ahead. Bowling a bouncer and a wide yorker, I have been practicing. I have bowled before as well. I want the batters to keep guessing what I have in my armoury.
Rajat Patidar: It was a total team performance. The way the bowlers exeucted their plans, was nice to see. As I said earlier, we are not a team who are looking at the venues. We are looking to play good cricket. Chasing gives a lot of clarity about the wicket, the bowling and the score and we could plan accordingly. It was a gettable target. The bowlers did a great job. All credit to all the bowlers. We were pretty much clear about the chasing. It feels great when you lead RCB. There are many great players. It is a great opportunity for me to learn.
Virat Kohli: It was a top win, especially looking at the surface. This wicket played very differently to the other games. Whenever there is a chase on I keep checking with the dugout if we are on course, what is my role etc. Krunal.. today was his day. We were waiting for him to come into the tournament with the bat. Who are the bowlers to target. I try and ensure I don’t stop my singles and doubles and combine with the occasional boundary. This year you can’t just come out and hit, you have to assess, understand the conditions and then plan accordingly. We have communicated beautifully as a team in the batting and that’s the reason we have 7 wins out of 10. It’s looking good for us. We have Romario (Shepherd) after Tim (David) as well for extra added power. That firepower at the back end definitely helps. Hazlewood and Bhuvi are world class bowlers. There’s a reason why he has the Purple Cap on his head. Krunal bowled well too. Don’t forget that Suyash can be the dark horse as well. He may not have got the wickets but he has been good.