Published: Apr 19, 2017, 09:38 AM (IST)
Edited: Apr 19, 2017, 09:38 AM (IST)
Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) captain Virat Kohli on Tuesday declared he would not change his approach to cricket despite facing threat of serious injuries. Kohli, who was in rich form before he suffered an injury to his left shoulder during the India versus Australia Test series last month, had missed quite a few critical games. Kohli watched from sidelines as Ajinkya Rahane captained India to a series-clinching win, and the regular captain for RCB also missed the initial stages of IPL. Kohli’s injury was so severe that his shoulder still remains strapped. However, he said he is not going to change his approach. FULL CRICKET SCORECARD: Gujarat Lions (GL) vs Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) IPL 2017, Match 20
After Royal Challengers Bangalore completed a 21-run victory over Gujarat Lions, Kohli said, “There’s a lot of strapping on that (right) shoulder, especially for the dives. I have to stop thinking about it. It holds me back. I am getting back to the stage where it doesn’t come to my head anymore. Stopping runs at the end is important. Two important points won. When I hurt my shoulder, people said he just saved a run. But I have played all my life like that, I thought I wouldn’t change my attitude.”
Kohli was all praise for Chris Gayle, who slammed a 38-ball 77 and also became the first cricketer ever to score 10,000 runs in T20 cricket. Kohli said, “Gayle came in for AB and he took his opportunity beautifully. If he bats like that, it allows me to play through the innings and then accelerate late. He takes the aggressive route and I chip my way out; that’s why we are such a good batting pair. Kedar and Head were good.”
“We were about 30 runs above par and that exactly was the case. Chahal is a wrist spinner, he’s always in the game, but Negi was outstanding. The way he bowled the new ball and then later was very brave. Beautiful bowling by him. Not many people believed in his abilities but he’s coming across nicely this season,” Kohli added.
The RCB captain also had special praise for Yuzvendra Chahal, who claimed 3 for 31. “He’s (Chahal) been doing well for us for many seasons now. The plus point with Chahal is that he’s not scared. He’s never shy to get hit for runs. He sometimes will get hit, but will get you two-three wickets too. On good wickets, you need a spinner, or any bowler, who can step up.”
Kohli joked that Gayle must be asked which side he woke up this morning. “Well, it’s up to him how he (Gayle) wakes up. Chris took the initiative and anything in his arc was out of the park. 10000 runs at an average of 40 and SR over 150 is incredible. He’s the most dangerous T20 player around.”
