IPL 2017: We need to play positive cricket to reach playoffs, says Virat Kohli

What’s the story?

Following RCB’s seven-wicket loss to Gujarat Lions in Bangalore, skipper Virat Kohli has said that his team need to play positive cricket if they are to end their losing streak. After the match, Kohli said, "It is never easy to lose games. Tonight was not clinical. We need to get better with our performances. You got to come out and play with intent."We tried to do it with the bat. The only way to come out of it is to play positive cricket. We are putting too much pressure on the team. Individuals need to stand up and take responsibility." When asked about RCB’s top order collapse, Kohli replied, "The ball was coming on decently well. Both the innings under lights the ball behaves the same."Kohli also lauded Aaron Finch’s sensational knock of 72 from 34 deliveries which helped Gujarat Lions recover after being reduced to 23-2. Regarding Finch, Kohli stated, "Credit to Finch he played a fantastic knock. In a small chase it is important if one guy takes the momentum."

In case you didn’t know...

Royal Challengers Bangalore slumped to their 6^th defeat of the tournament, this time against Gujarat Lions last night which keeps them at seventh position in the standings, above the Delhi Daredevils who have played three matches less. From nine matches, RCB have won 2, lost 6, with one match against the Sunrisers Hyderabad being washed out.

The heart of the matter

After being told to bat first, RCB top order failed miserably with Chris Gayle, Virat Kohli, and AB de Villiers scoring a total of just 23 runs between them. Kedar Jadhav’s 31 and Pawan Negi’s 32 took RCB to a total of 134 in their 20 overs.

In reply, Gujarat Lions lost Brendon McCullum and Ishan Kishan during the powerplay overs but Aaron Finch and Suresh Raina’s partnership of 92 from 48 deliveries turned the match in favour of the visitors. Finch went on to score 72 from 34 deliveries while Raina scored 34.

The Lions ended the match in 13.5 overs and went up to sixth in the standings.

What’s next?

Royal Challengers Bangalore next travel to Pune to take on the Rising Pune Supergiants on Saturday.

Author’s Take

There’s no doubt that RCB will have to play more positively but given their current form, making the playoffs is difficult as they have to win all of their remaining five matches to stand a chance. However, given the fact that RCB had won their last four matches on the trot to reach the playoffs, you never know.