IPL 2017 – If We Play Like This, We Dont Deserve To Win – Virat Kohli
May 24, 2023 at 4:12 PM
It takes a really dismal batting effort to not be able to chase a moderate target like 162 at the Chinnaswamy Stadium, which is a heaven for run making.
As ironic as it may sound, the home team, Royal Challengers Bangalore fell well short of their target against the Rising Pune Supergiant to put on a show of complete embarrassment and humiliation for themselves.
Needing 162 to win the game, opener Mandeep Singh departed early to continue his poor tournament from the previous games. Skipper Virat Kohli looked very unlike himself, as he looked to be over aggressive and that eventually led to his downfall, as Ben Stokes snared him with a well-directed bouncer.
With AB de Villiers struggling as well and MS Dhoni coolly stumping him, it was just a matter of time before the hosts collapsed like a pack of cards. After the stinging loss, skipper Virat Kohli sternly admitted that if his side performed like this, then they didn’t deserve to win.
“It’s very important to find the winning formula,” Kohli said.”If we play like this, we don’t deserve to win. The last game, we fought hard. Today we let the game go away right in front of our eyes. We have a few things to address. We can’t think we can sweep sides away at home. One of the best catches that I have taken ever. Just reflexes. All the training drills go into that.”
“Milne bowled really well, assessed conditions really nicely, just his second or third opportunity in the IPL. Guys coming in have to learn from that, they can’t play without intent, without fear. Last year we had to win four out of four to qualify but that can’t happen every time. As professional cricketers, you’re playing for a franchise, you’re playing in front of a lot of people, we can’t keep doing this. Hopefully, we can turn things around and the players can take the responsibility,” Kohli said.