Was Virat's 51 as Crucial as Bhuvi's Slog Overs?

Synopsis
In an exhilarating match, Virat Kohli and Krunal Pandya teamed up to lead RCB to a victory against Delhi Capitals. Piyush Chawla highlights their vital contributions and the team's impressive away record. Discover how their efforts solidified RCB's position in the tournament!
Key Takeaways
- Kohli's innings provided a crucial anchor.
- Krunal's aggressive play turned the game in RCB's favor.
- Bhuvneshwar's death bowling was instrumental in limiting runs.
- RCB's teamwork has been exceptional this season.
- Strategic partnerships are key to their success.
New Delhi, April 28 (NationPress) Former Indian spinner Piyush Chawla praised Virat Kohli, Krunal Pandya, and Bhuvneshwar Kumar for steering the Royal Challengers Bengaluru to a remarkable six-wicket victory over Delhi Capitals at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on Sunday.
This victory not only secured RCB's unbeaten away record for the season but also elevated them to the third position in the points table.
Bhuvneshwar'sJosh Hazlewood's 2 for 36, limited the Delhi Capitals to a total of 162 runs for 8 wickets in 20 overs. The highest scorers for the home team were KL Rahul (41) and Tristan Stubbs (34).
In response, Kohli and Krunal formed a match-winning 119-run partnership after the team faced a challenging start, losing three wickets for just 26 runs. Kohli scored 51 runs, while Krunal remained unbeaten at 73, hitting four sixes and five fours, guiding the team to victory with nine balls to spare.
“RCB is showcasing exceptional cricket. We must acknowledge the team’s efforts. Bhuvi (Bhuvneshwar Kumar) demonstrated his prowess with the old ball, executing two crucial overs that led to significant wickets. When it comes to chasing on a challenging pitch, Kohli and Krunal's partnership was pivotal,” Chawla remarked on JioHotstar.
The seasoned spinner emphasized that Kohli's role was essential in securing the RCB's win, stating, “Regardless of how Virat scored his 50, the key aspect is obtaining those vital two points on the points table. After losing three wickets, it was crucial to have someone anchor the innings, allowing others to revolve around him.”
“Those 51 runs were as significant as Bhuvi's final overs. Virat has a knack for managing chases of 160–170 effectively, laying a solid foundation for the team,” Chawla added.
“Krunal is adept at facing spinners, making him a formidable opponent in the middle overs. It was a challenging wicket to bat on, which even Virat acknowledged. Krunal took responsibility, calculated risks, and accelerated beautifully after settling in,” he continued.
On Bhuvneshwar Kumar's death bowling, Chawla said, “Bhuvi’s approach in the final overs was commendable. By utilizing the old ball effectively, he limited runs, and those two overs where he conceded just eight runs were critical. If he had allowed 20-22 runs, chasing a target of 180+ would have been a different ball game. While we may not see aggressive fast bowling from Bhuvi, he consistently delivers for the team whenever he plays.”