“I’ve still got it I guess,” Virat Kohli promises to deliver his best amidst speculations about involvement in T20I World Cup

Virat Kohli powered Royal Challengers Bengaluru to their first victory this season, as the hosts saw off Punjab Kings in yet another thriller. Chasing a modest total of 177 runs on a batting-friendly wicket, Virat Kohli’s knock of 77 runs off just 49 balls set the stage for the hosts.

However, the Punjab Kings kept chipping away with wickets which brought them right back into the match. Finally, it was Dinesh Karthik’s valiant knock of 28 runs off just 10 deliveries which steered Bengaluru past the finishing line.

There has been quite a bit of speculation in the media regarding Virat Kohli’s place in the side for the upcoming T20I World Cup. After being awarded the player of the match award for his magnificent innings against Punjab, the Indian batter stated that he still believes he can deliver the goods in the shortest format of the game.

“I know my name is now attached to just promoting the game in different parts of the world when it comes to T20 cricket. I’ve still got it I guess. Just to feel normal for two months – for me, my family – it was a surreal experience. Couldn’t have been more grateful to God for the opportunity to spend time with the family. It’s an amazing experience to just be another person on the road and not be recognised. That’s the promise I can give here – I’ll keep turning up and keep trying me best,” Virat Kohli said in his post-match conference.

Also Read: “I completely back him, not an issue,” Hardik Pandya defends Tilak Varma for debatable single call

Virat Kohli ‘disappointed’ to not steer RCB past the finishing line

Virat Kohli got off to an absolute flyer, as he took the attack to the opposition right from the first over. The RCB batter smashed 11 boundaries, and two maximums in his stylish knock on Monday. He praised the fans for turning out in big numbers once again, and spoke about how he had to adapt out in the middle.

“It’s been going on for years (love story with fans at Chinnaswamy). People talk about a lot of other things when you play sport – achievement, stats, numbers. But when you look back it’s the memories you create. The love, appreciation and backing I’ve received has been amazing. I try to give the team a blazing start, but if wickets fall you have to assess. Wasn’t the usual flat pitch. Disappointed I couldn’t finish the game,” said Kohli.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru have got their first points on the board, as they will next face Kolkata Knight Riders at home again on Friday. They will be desperate to see Glenn Maxwell get some runs under his belt after failing to make any sort of impact with the bat in the first two matches.

Also Read: “Didn’t want to face Rashid Khan”: Irfan Pathan slams Hardik Pandya for ‘poor captaincy’