Royal Challengers Bengaluru successfully defended their IPL crown with a 5-wicket victory over Gujarat Titans in Sunday’s final. RCB restricted GT to 155/8, thanks largely to Rashik Salam’s three-wicket burst.
Virat Kohli’s unbeaten 75 powered a commanding chase and the RCB talisman revealed that there was a sense of elation about the unit, in contrast to last season’s pressure, as the side went on to become the third side to defend their title.
“I said to a few of the boys that it doesn’t feel like the same pressure as last year,” Kohli said.
“We knew what kind of ability we have in the group. We topped the table. There’s a reason why we got here first. And we just said one thing: if we stick to our cricket, if we execute our plans, we are the best
team in the competition,” the seasoned batter added.
Kohli also opened up about the comfort he derives from being flanked by quality players as RCB establish themselves as one of the biggest sporting dynasties in the annals of the tournament. Only Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians had the distinction of having defended the crown, and Kohli’s commitment to the franchise from Bengaluru has now placed him in elite company now.
“We’ve had to wait for so long. And then, you know, just to have a group of guys where you feel like you’re stepping onto the ground, you don’t need to be the one to step up every time.”
“There’s guys behind you, around you, who can win games of cricket for you. We have so many Man of the Match awards cranked throughout the group as well,” Kohli reflected on the depth and all-round ability in the successful unit.
“I feel so happy to play in a group where we have balance, we have strength, and we are an all-round strong team. And, that’s why we have the confidence we have on the field right now,” he noted.
