Kohli's Motivational Speech After RCB's Victory in IPL 2026: A Call for Resilience
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New Delhi, April 16 (NationPress) Veteran player Virat Kohli of the Royal Challengers Bengaluru lauded the team's strategic and assertive performance after their victory against the Lucknow Super Giants. He also pointed out the need for enhancements, expressing his discomfort with witnessing collapses.
In a post-match address to the team in the dressing room following their win on Wednesday, Kohli emphasized how RCB made a deliberate effort to maintain their lead in the game despite an initial setback, particularly noting the early dismissal of opener Phil Salt.
“Team, we secured another excellent victory, and I'll keep it brief. I believe we maintained a professional demeanor, making a conscious effort to seize control of the game early. After Salty's dismissal, our aim was to counter-attack and not allow the opposition to gain any momentum, and we succeeded,” Kohli stated in a video shared by the franchise.
Kohli reflected on RCB’s overall batting strategy this season, which focuses on counter-attacking rather than consolidation, even during tense moments. He particularly noted the smooth transition of momentum among batters, which has been a hallmark of their season.
“Once again, the seamless transfer of momentum from one player to another has been working exceptionally well for us. When Rajat came in, he quickly regained form and delivered some outstanding shots. During brief moments of pressure, we chose our shots wisely, putting the pressure back on the opposition while consistently staying ahead,” he remarked.
Captain Rajat Patidar's proactive approach ensured that RCB kept the LSG from regaining control at any point. Despite an impressive victory, the former RCB skipper emphasized areas needing improvement, especially the middle-order collapse that temporarily hindered the chase.
“From both a personal and team perspective, I would have preferred to finish with just two or three wickets down. I find collapses unsettling, but great job overall, and it's fantastic to see Sheppy (Romario Shepherd) finally get some time at the crease to finish the game. With only KP (Krunal Pandya) remaining now, everyone is getting some game time, and hopefully, we'll celebrate next time. Well done, very professional effort, and we'll keep pushing forward,” Kohli concluded.