‘What you dream about… is to score winning runs’: Virat Kohli reveals life-long IPL final wish. cricket news

'Whatever you dream about... want to score winning runs': Virat Kohli reveals lifelong IPL final wish

New Delhi: For almost two decades, Virat Kohli lived and breathed Royal Challengers Bangalore. On Sunday night in Ahmedabad, he finally experienced the moment he had imagined countless times.After hitting the winning six to give RCB their second IPL title and complete a successful title defense against Gujarat Titans, Kohli revealed that completing the chase had been a personal dream for a long time.“That’s the thing you dream about. Thought about this moment many times, want to score the winning runs,” Kohli said after his unbeaten 75 to lead RCB to a five-wicket win at the Narendra Modi Stadium.This innings was vintage Kohli – controlled, aggressive and decisive. This also included the fastest half-century of his 19-season IPL career, which was scored in just 25 balls.The dream ended on the biggest stageKohli admitted that he was feeling unusually calm despite the pressure of the title race.“I felt really comfortable coming in. The team we have gives us the confidence to deal with any situation. We knew what to do while chasing,” he said.The former RCB skipper set the tone early along with Venkatesh Iyer, as the pair helped Bengaluru record the fastest team half-century in the history of the IPL final.“I told Venky that we need to finish the game in the powerplay. There was complete clarity,” Kohli revealed.Even at the age of 37, the batting superstar continues to evolve. When asked about his half-century in 25 balls, Kohli explained how the rise of fearless young cricketers has forced him to adapt.“It’s demanding, super young players are pushing you to move forward. I have to change not just my game but my mindset, face the bowlers and score extra runs,” he said.A champion team, not a one-man showPerhaps the most satisfying aspect of the win for Kohli was the strength of the team around him.“We had to wait so long and then to have a group of guys where you don’t feel like you’re the only one who has to step up for the team, it’s amazing,” he said.Calling RCB a complete team, Kohli praised the contributions of Josh Hazlewood, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Jacob Duffy, Krunal Pandya and Rasikh Salam Dar. The great batsman also highlighted RCB’s consistency throughout the season.“When big situations come up, you need big players to step up. But I knew we had a champion team,” he said. “We’re at the top of the table, there’s a reason we’re in first place. If we stick to our cricket and execute our plans, we’re the best team in the competition.”As slogans started echoing in the stadium, Kohli gave special praise to the fans.“We have 14 home games, not seven. We have fans behind us all the time. Ninety percent of the fans were on our side despite it being GT’s home ground,” he said.

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