Virat Kohli hailed the 115-run stand with Devdutt Padikkal as “the game changer” after Royal Challengers Bengaluru pulled off a successful chase of 206 against Gujarat Titans (GT). Kohli, who was named Player of the Match, struck 81 off 44 balls with eight fours and four sixes as RCB moved into second place, registering their fifth victory in seven matches.
Key takeaways
- Kohli and Padikkal built a 115-run partnership that Kohli described as the defining turning point.
- Kohli’s Player of the Match knock came off 44 deliveries, including eight fours and four sixes.
- RCB steadied the chase with Padikkal’s 27-ball 55, keeping the required rate under control.
- With wickets falling late, Krunal Pandya still finished the job at No. 7, scoring 23 off 12.
- RCB’s next assignment is against Delhi Capitals in Delhi on April 27.
Assessing the chase and taking early control
Speaking about RCB’s approach, Kohli said the side needed to gauge the wicket quickly given GT’s bowling quality and the challenge of chasing 206 at Chinnaswamy Stadium. He added that the plan with Jacob Bethell was to understand what was happening during the opening overs and then accelerate at the right moments. Kohli pointed out that Padikkal had previously done something similar this season—entering the contest and hitting from ball one.
Kohli also stressed how Padikkal’s batting went beyond pure hitting, describing his awareness and shot-making as particularly effective in Bengaluru conditions. He singled out Padikkal’s first boundary against Kagiso Rabada as a standout moment and noted that it is unusual to see a batter playing with such intent while rarely resorting to slogging. In Kohli’s view, the partnership ultimately eased pressure and set up the finish.
“I was just trying to stay in the game enough so that he doesn’t feel all the pressure,” Kohli said, framing his own role as maintaining stability while Padikkal remained aggressive. He further added that the stand was both the game sealer and the game changer for RCB.
Death-over contrast and a confident finishing touch
The chase also highlighted a difference in execution during the final overs. While GT’s batting looked sluggish in the death, RCB kept moving quickly even after losing wickets late in the innings. Krunal Pandya, promoted to No. 7, ensured the run chase didn’t slip away, closing out the target with 23 off 12 balls.
Kohli underlined the depth of RCB’s batting group, pointing to the variety of players who can hit “good cricketing shots” and put bowlers under sustained pressure. He specifically referenced the impact of Tim David and Romario Shepherd as part of what gives the team confidence to back their skills. Kohli said the message inside the group was straightforward: when a batter gets a ball worth hitting, the plan is to commit and go for it.
RCB’s schedule and the Chinnaswamy outlook
RCB have already completed their last group match at the Chinnaswamy Stadium. They now begin a run of three away fixtures before returning to Raipur—listed as their second home venue this season—to complete their remaining home games. Kohli described the Chinnaswamy as a special ground and said he hopes RCB can come back there for later-stage matches to entertain the crowd again.
There remains a possibility of a playoff match being allotted to the Chinnaswamy. At the halfway stage, RCB look positioned to reach the postseason, with their next encounter set for April 27 against Delhi Capitals in Delhi—Kohli’s original home ground.
