Virat disappointed despite amassing highest IPL runs

Virat Kohli became the highest run-getter in Indian Premier League during his 92run innings against Mumbai Indians, but the star batsman said it doesn’t really matter as his effort couldn’t ensure a victory for Royal Challengers Bangalore.

Kohli’s 62-ball knock went in vain as RCB finished at 1679 in 20 overs while chasing MI’s 213-6, built largely around skipper Rohit Sharma’s 52-ball 94. This was their third defeat in four matches with a 46-run loss.

“We got off to a great start but we just threw it away, and need to reflect on our dismissals. We knew there would be a little bit of dew, we needed not your 40-45s but 8085s. In the end it was all about making sure that the run-rate doesn’t take a hit; credit to Mumbai though, they bowled really well.”

Kohli said Mumbai Indians showed great resilience after losing early wickets.

“We didn’t get any chances, | THURSDAY | APRIL 19, 2018 we bowled in the areas we thought were good but they counter-attacked well,” the 29-year-old said.

“Even after they were two wickets down they showed resilience like good teams do. We tried our hardest but we just couldn’t get wickets in the middle stages.”

Leg-spinner Mayank Markande was excited after receiving the purple cap. “I am really glad to get the purple cap again. Feels nice to compete with world class bowlers like Narine, Woakes. Yes, he (pointing to Krunal) helps a lot,” he said.

“I don’t feel like wearing this (orange cap) right now because it really doesn’t matter,” said Kohli, who took his IPL total to 4,619 runs in 153 matches, surpassing Suresh Raina (4,558)