RCB vs GT: Kohli outlines RCB batting approach after fifth win

Virat Kohli (PC: IPL/BCCI)

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) star batter Virat Kohli led from the front with a match-winning knock of 81 to seal a five-wicket win over Gujarat Titans (GT) in their final home game of IPL 2026 at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium on April 24.

While chasing a strong target of 206 runs, Kohli anchored the innings with a stunning 81 off 44 balls. His knock included eight boundaries and four maximums, with a strike rate of 184.09. Kohli became the first player to score 303 sixes for a single franchise in the IPL. He got an early lifeline when Washington Sundar dropped his catch off the first ball of the third over bowled by Mohammed Siraj.

During the post-match presentation, the Player of the Match, Kohli, reflected on the chase and the conditions. “To be honest, we had to assess the wicket early on because A) they have a quality bowling attack and B) chasing 200 at the Chinnaswamy, we were just one partnership away,” Kohli said. “This is the second time Dev has come in and done this. You never see him slogging the ball, yet he’s playing so freely. His innings was the difference in the first half, and then I was trying to stay in the game so he wouldn’t feel the pressure. Even in our bowling innings, we did well to pull things back. We were looking at 230–235 at one stage.”

With today’s knock, the stalwart moved to the top of the Orange Cap leaderboard with 328 runs from seven matches at an average of 54.66 and a strike rate of 163.18.

Speaking further about his team’s batting depth and mindset, Kohli added, “The body language comes from a belief in your abilities, and we have a tremendous batting line-up. If you look at the talent on display, we have players who can play good cricket shots; you have the power of Tim David and Shepherd, and then you have the smarts of Krunal. So the message is simple, if you see a ball to hit, go for it because you have the depth. Firstly, we were quite happy that we were able to play five games here and the fans got to see the team again. It’s a special place to play cricket, and hopefully we’ll be able to come back and play here again later in the season.”

RCB will next face Delhi Capitals (DC) on April 27 in Delhi.

Also Read: “Really happy to contribute to the team” – Sai Sudharsan after third IPL century

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The post RCB vs GT: Kohli outlines RCB batting approach after fifth win appeared first on Sports News Portal | Revsportz.



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