IPL 2025: Kohli Advocates for Padikkal's POTM Recognition Following Victory Over Punjab
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Synopsis
Virat Kohli suggested that Devdatt Padikkal deserved the Player of the Match award after his impactful innings led Royal Challengers Bengaluru to a victory over Punjab Kings. Kohli praised Padikkal's performance and emphasized the importance of securing points for the team's qualification chances in the tournament.
Key Takeaways
- Virat Kohli believes Padikkal deserved the Player of the Match award.
- Kohli scored an unbeaten 71 runs, while Padikkal made 61.
- The duo formed a critical partnership of 103 runs.
- RCB has improved their standing in the points table.
- Kohli highlighted the significance of every match for qualification.
New Chandigarh, April 20 (NationPress) Virat Kohli expressed his belief that Devdatt Padikkal deserved the Player of the Match accolade instead of him, following Padikkal's impressive innings of 61 runs off 35 balls that led the Royal Challengers Bengaluru to a seven-wicket triumph against the Punjab Kings on Sunday.
Kohli finished with an unbeaten 71 runs from 54 deliveries, which included seven boundaries and a six. Padikkal's explosive performance featured four sixes and five fours. Together, they formed a pivotal 103-run partnership for the second wicket, successfully avenging their previous home defeat against Punjab.
Prior to this, Krunal Pandya and Suyash Sharma each took two wickets, limiting Punjab to a total of 157 runs for the loss of six wickets in their 20 overs.
“This was a crucial match for us. The two points can significantly impact our qualification chances. We have been playing exceptional cricket on the road. Moving from eight to ten points greatly alters our standing in the points table. Our mindset must focus on securing two points in every match,” Kohli stated during the post-match presentation.
“I aimed to pick up the pace more. I believe Dev made a significant impact today; this award should be his. I’m unsure why it went to me,” he remarked after being named Player of the Match.
Reflecting on his innings, Kohli mentioned that he aimed to anchor the innings and accelerate later.
“I focus on staying at the crease, holding one end, and then accelerating. There’s always a temptation to keep pushing. The last match was shortened, so we had to go hard against PBKS,” he explained.
“In T20 cricket, one partnership can be sufficient during a run chase. I can quicken the pace, but I also want to recognize the strengths of my teammates. Currently, my approach of anchoring is yielding results for us,” Kohli added.
The former captain of RCB and India praised the current players acquired in last year's auction for their performance this season.
“We had an excellent auction, securing a strong team. The players remained composed post-auction. Performers like David, Jitesh, and Patidar are playing their roles effectively. It’s promising to see their intensity; they are diving around and showing hunger on the field. Such play enhances our chances of winning,” Kohli concluded.
With ten points from eight matches, RCB has ascended to third place in the points table and will face Rajasthan Royals in Bengaluru on April 24.
