His team might have not qualified for the playoffs, but he leaves competitive cricket as one of the finest ambassadors of the game. Zaheer Khan gave it his cent percent on the field against the Royal Challengers Bangalore, but on the day, it was Virat Kohli’s brilliance which stood out in Raipur. By the virtue of Kohli’s unbeaten half century, the Royal Challengers ended their first round as the second-placed side and get an opportunity to play the first qualifier at their home ground.
It was the batting which terribly let down the Delhi Daredevils. The hosts could only manage a paltry 138-8 in 20 overs, 60 of which were scored by Quinton De Kock. Royal Challengers stuttered at the top, but skipper Virat Kohli steadied the ship with his fantastic knock.
Zaheer Khan, who officially now retires from all forms of competitive cricket, admitted that despite the loss, it had been a wonderful campaign for the side. “Wonderful campaign. On the whole, we played good cricket. Some days you play good, some days bad. Youngsters learnt a lot, tremendous potential there. We gave a tough time to all the sides. The playoff should have been fantastic but we are happy. 160 would have been defendable on this big ground. We needed early breakthroughs,” said Khan.
Khan lauded Kohli for his brilliant knock and was in awe of his former teammate. “Kohli is good absorbing the pressure. We bowled well but Virat is in a very good form and we were 15-20 runs short. The team has young guys and odd days will be like this. We have given them the freedom. One partnership was critical and we couldn’t get going in that. A big game this was, pressure game. I haven’t really thought about it my future. Have enjoyed my time with the youngsters and trying to pass my knowledge to them. Still enjoying and will see,” Khan concluded.
Kohli was named the Man of the Match for his knock, and he admitted that all the hardwork had paid off. “Every game is an opportunity. We were at No. 7 position in the table and now we have two chances at the final. Our focus has paid off. It’s not easy but you have to start afresh every day. I know it sounds boring and traditional but it has to be boring. Every day has to be made use of,” said Kohli.
Citing the tour of Australia earlier this year as a turning point, Kohli said, “The Australia series this year, I felt that people genuinely want me to do well. I play my heart out for the country and for the team I am playing for right now. Batting has done well but the bowlers – the wicket was worth more than 130 odd. Easily 160 par wicket. You can tend to get carried away, thinking the batting is doing well but we got very few runs in the last few overs. Everyone was keen in the changing room to stand up and say that he’s going to do well. The support has been well and we heard RCB’s chants here too. Will happen when you have two of the most loved cricketers in de Villiers and Gayle in the team.”