Skip to main content

RCB not in race for IPL-10 play-offs, says Kohli

Pune: Conceding that the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) are virtually out of the race for the 2017 Indian Premier League (IPL) play-offs, courtesy another pathetic batting display, skipper Virat Kohli on Saturday said the team can only learn from such experiences.

IPL 2017 | Schedule/Results | Points Table | Stats

RCB's hopes of making it to the top four were dashed after they lost by 61 runs to Rising Pune Supergiant (RPS) at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium here.

The 2017 edition of the IPL has been a disappointing one for the Bengaluru franchise, losing seven of their 10 outings so far.

"I think it's for everyone to see we lost that game. It's hard for a captain to stand here and speak after a performance like this," Kohli said after his side was restricted to 96/9 in their response to Pune's 157/3.

"But got to learn and move on from these kind of experiences. We lost the game rather than them winning it. We are pretty much not in the race for the Play-offs, all we can do is enjoy the four remaining games."

The 28-year-old Kohli said there could be multiple reasons for the batting debacle, especially after the same side reached the final of the tournament last year.

"It could be a few reasons, expectations, people looking at us as a good batting side that made the Playoffs last year. I can't really pinpoint something -- could be hesitation to get out, to get runs," he said.

Meanwhile, home skipper Steve Smith hailed his team for putting up a comprehensive effort against the Bengaluru franchise.

"It's nice to have a got a nice little streak going. We didn't know what would be a good score at the halfway mark, to be honest, but we wanted a complete performance today and we got that," Smith said.

"We executed our plans really well tonight, Lockie Ferguson bowled beautifully. They're being very consistent for us, hopefully, then can continue it and win us a few more games. It's a magnificent effort from Lockie, hit good lengths and bowled good bouncers as well. He is an exciting player for the future," he added.

Playing his second IPL game, New Zealand quick Lockie Ferguson was adjudged the man-of-the-match for his excellent figures of two wickets for seven runs off his four overs.

The Kiwi credited the start from the Pune bowlers for his brilliant show, which is only the fourth time in the IPL when a bowler has conceded seven or less in an innings.

"I think we were probably 15-20 short today, but we started really well, which made my job easier. I could create some pressure," Ferguson said.

"The boys were incredible, and obviously, feels pretty good to do well personally well too. My strength lies in back of a length, I try to bowl a few cutters as well. But credit to the other guys as well for building up the pressure, I couldn't have done it without that," he added.

Stay updated on the go with Sify Live Scores App. Click here to download it for your device



via Sify.com http://ift.tt/2pszDFq

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

India withdraw Smith protest as boards make peace in DRS row

India have withdrawn an official protest about the actions of Australia captain Steve Smith in the second test as the governing bodies of both countries moved to bring an end to the acrimony surrounding the ongoing four-match series. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) had earlier registered a complaint to the International Cricket Council (ICC) over Smith looking to the dressing room for guidance on whether to review an lbw decision during the Bengaluru match. Despite the hosts winning the test to level the series at 1-1 on Tuesday, India skipper Virat Kohli alleged the tourists had indulged in the practice throughout the match, sparking a war of words in the media and a robust response from Australia. The boards released a joint statement on Friday saying the chief executives of both bodies had met in Mumbai on Thursday and agreed to try and bring the focus "back to the game" ahead of next week's third test in Ranchi. "India has always cherished a c...

Pogba is one of best players when in form: Ole Gunnar Solskjaer

Leeds [UK], Dec 7 (ANI): Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has praised midfielder Paul Pogba, saying that he is one of the best players in the world when he is in good touch. "Paul is going to play when he gets his fitness. He is one of the best players in the world when he's in form and we just need to give him time to be 100 per cent fit," Goal.com quoted Solskjaer as saying. Pogba has endured a frustrating 2019-20 campaign to date, having only managed five Premier League appearances in total due to a string of fitness issues. He is currently recovering from an ankle injury and last played for the club on September 30 against Arsenal. Solskjaer had said that the France international will be out of action till December. "It might be 45 minutes in the first game, it might be half an hour, it might be 90. It depends on what game he comes back in and I'm looking back to get Paul back to where I had him about a year ago," Solskjaer said. ...

Virat Kohli and co. leave for West Indies

The Virat Kohli led Indian team left for the West Indies for the four-Test series starting July 21st. The team was accompanied by its newly appointed head coach Anil Kumble and other support staff. The 16-member squad will play a tour game against the West Indies Cricket Board President's XI at Warner Park in Basseterre, St Kitts on July 9 and 10. The journey begins. #TeamIndia leaves for the tour of West Indies. #WIvIND http://pic.twitter.com/ebK1jkoFiN -BCCI (@BCCI) July 5, 2016 That will be followed by a three-day warm-up fixture at the same venue from July 14 to 16. The first Test match will be held at the Vivian Richards Cricket Ground in Antigua from July 21 to 25. The other three Test matches will be held at Sabina Park in Kingston, Jamaica (Jul 30-Aug 3), Darren Sammy National Cricket Stadium in Gros Islet, St Lucia (Aug 9-13) and Queen's Park Oval, Port of Spain, Trinidad (Aug 18-22). When India last toured West Indies in 2011, the visitors won the series 1-0....