Virat Kohli Shocks Fans with Desire to Share Man of the Match Award

Royal Challengers Bengaluru extended their good form in the tournament with another great away win. They beat Punjab Kings chasing a score of 158 runs. Virat Kohli was instrumental by remaining unbeaten on 73 runs from 54 balls. Despite being named Man of the Match for his solid performance Kohli was not entirely happy. He believed his teammate Devdutt Padikkal deserved the award more and openly said so during the post-match presentation. Kohli’s honest reaction once again showed his team-first attitude and leadership qualities.

In this match Kohli and Padikkal built a strong partnership of 103 runs which helped RCB win the game by seven wickets. Padikkal made a vital 61 runs and played the ideal support act to Kohli. Kohli heaped praise on Padikkal and said that the young batsman had made a significant contribution. He believed that the award should have been Padikkal's, not his. This victory helped RCB rise to third on the points table with 10 points from five wins. Kohli’s knock was his fourth half-century this season and it took his total IPL runs to 8326 and 322 runs in just eight games this year.

Kohli said the current strategy of him holding one end and letting others play freely is working well for the team. He mentioned that he can accelerate when needed but it is important to play according to the strengths of other players. He further stated that the team has been performing exquisite cricket in away games and that each victory counts for a lot in such a neck-and-neck competition. As per Kohli from eight to ten points is a huge difference and the team is looking to get two points in each match.

The RCB sensation also stated that this season's auction proved to be extremely successful for the team. The captain chose the right players and provided the team with a well-balanced appearance. Kohli noted that the team never had this balance earlier in the seasons but now everything is going as per plan. He was satisfied with the intensity and energy demonstrated by the players this season. Kohli further noted that the players are well aware of their roles and everyone is contributing to the success of the team.

Rajat Patidar, the current captain in place of the usual skipper, was all appreciative of Kohli and Padikkal's efforts. While he himself did not make a big contribution with the bat amassing only 12 runs he averred that the plan was perfectly carried out by the top order. He credited the bowlers too for keeping the Punjab Kings batsmen in tight purse strings. He also spoke of the need to win the toss and added that the team would focus on performing better at home.

Padikkal who played a positive innings stated that batting with Kohli always makes him feel comfortable and eases the task. He stated that he feels happy to play for his home city and state. He also added that the entire team is full of confidence and there are several players contributing runs. Padikkal wishes that they can continue this trend when they go back to play in their home conditions.

In return Punjab Kings captain Shreyas Iyer acknowledged that his team cannot convert good starts into high scores. He added that the pitch was slow and that added to the trouble for the batsmen. He also credited Kohli and his team for being well-adjusted to the conditions. Iyer further said that a few of the middle-order batsmen must assume greater responsibility and play intelligent cricket. He spoke about the need to utilize the forthcoming break to think and rejuvenate both physically and mentally.

Overall it was a special day for RCB with another powerful team performance. Kohli demonstrated why he is not just a brilliant batsman but also a humble captain by recommending someone else take the limelight. The balance and confidence of the team are obviously serving them well and helping them deliver consistently. With star players such as Kohli and Padikkal in form RCB appears to be a serious contender this season.