Chasing a target of 147 on a slightly sticky surface, RCB made early progress with a strong powerplay, scoring 60 runs for the loss of just one wicket. Virat Kohli led from the front with a fluent 49 off 32 balls, including 40 runs scored during the powerplay phase, setting the tone for the chase.
Addressing the team in the dressing room after the match, Kohli praised the side’s intent and ability to counter-attack after the early dismissal of Phil Salt.
“Guys, another good win for us, I won’t keep it long at all. I think we were quite professional… After we lost Salty, the idea was to press back, counter-attack and not give them a sniff in the game and we ended up doing that,” Kohli said in a video shared by the franchise.
He also highlighted the importance of momentum sharing among batters, crediting Rajat Patidar for maintaining the intensity in the middle overs. Patidar continued his aggressive form this season, scoring 27 off just 13 balls at a strike rate of over 200.
“Again, the handover of momentum from one guy to the other is something that’s working really nicely for us… When Rajat came in, he played some amazing shots. In small periods of pressure, we chose the right shots and stayed ahead of the game,” he added.
However, Kohli expressed slight disappointment over the late collapse, where RCB lost five wickets despite being in control of the chase. He stressed the need for better finishing while appreciating Romario Shepherd’s contribution at the end.
“From a personal and batting group perspective, I would have liked to see us finish with two or three down. I don’t like seeing collapses… but good to see Sheppy finally get some time in the middle and finish the game off,” Kohli said.
RCB’s victory not only strengthened their campaign but also took them to the top of the 2026 IPL standings. They will next face Delhi Capitals at the Chinnaswamy Stadium on April 18, aiming to extend their winning momentum.
