Kohli: 'We Responded Well After Three Underwhelming Home Performances'

After enduring three straight home defeats marked by lackluster batting efforts, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) finally turned things around at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium, posting their first 200-plus total of IPL 2025 and securing a thrilling 11-run win over Rajasthan Royals (RR). Virat Kohli, who anchored the innings with a composed 70, said the team had reflected on their shortcomings and successfully implemented a new approach.

“We had three pretty average games at home, and we had some discussions within the batting group about what needed to change,” Kohli told the host broadcaster after the match. “I think today we applied ourselves really well and put up a solid total. The pitch wasn’t as flat as it looked on the scoreboard, so it was important to assess conditions and bat smartly.”

Unlike in their previous home outings where early aggression cost them top-order wickets, RCB navigated the powerplay without any damage. Phil Salt’s dismissal in the seventh over brought Kohli and Devdutt Padikkal together, and the duo added a crucial 95-run stand that laid the platform for a strong finish.

Kohli emphasized the importance of having a set batter play through the innings while others attack around him. “The template is quite simple—one batter stays in and others bat around him. I know this pitch well, and so does Devdutt. That was the plan. Let Salty go after it early, and if we lose a couple of wickets, we consolidate and then accelerate. It worked out perfectly today.”

RCB skipper Rajat Patidar had urged the team to improve shot selection heading into the match, and Kohli echoed that sentiment, highlighting their changed mindset at the top.

“In the first few overs, especially with the new ball in the first innings, there’s good pace and bounce. In the last few games, we were forcing the issue too early. Today, we waited for the ball, focused on timing and placement, and then took advantage once we had momentum. That adjustment made a big difference.”

RCB finished on 205 for 5, a total that proved just enough despite RR threatening for large portions of the chase. Josh Hazlewood’s clinical spell at the death sealed the victory.

“205 turned out to be enough in the end, though at one stage I thought we might need a few more,” Kohli admitted. “But we’ve found a blueprint now, and that gives the batting unit confidence. With three more home games to come, I think we’re in a better place to push for those extra 25–30 runs.”

Kohli also noted the impact of the toss at Chinnaswamy, where dew has often aided chasing sides. For the fourth straight home game, RCB lost the toss.

“Honestly, winning the toss is the first challenge,” he said. “In the second half, you get a better read on the pitch, and with the dew coming in, it gives the chasing team an edge. We've been working hard to post competitive first-innings scores despite that. Today, we finally got past 200, and that kept us in the contest.”

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