Asked the bowlers to take ownership and win the match: Virat Kohli

Virat Kohli-led Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) thumped the struggling Mumbai Indians in a must-win game on Tuesday to keep their chances of making it to the playoffs alive. RCB’s death bowling has been under the pump after the past few games. However, in a must-win situation, the pacers executed their plans well and did not allow the Mumbai batters to run away with the game. It was skipper Virat Kohli’s words which inspired the bowlers to deliver such an effort.

After putting on 167/7 batting first, courtesy an assault by Kiwi all-rounder Colin de Grandhomme in the last over where he pummeled countryman Mitchell McClenaghan for 23 runs, the bowlers defended the total as Mumbai fell short by 14 runs. When asked about what did he tell his bowlers before the second innings, Kohli said that he asked them to take the ownership and win the game.

“Just told the bowlers to back their gut. Take ownership of your field, your plans, and own it,” said RCB skipper. “We all believe in the changing room that this was the push we needed,” Kohli added.

Pacer’s set the tone for RCB

Chasing the target, Mumbai Indians suffered a blow in the very first over when wicketkeeper-batsman Ishan Kishan’s stumps were shattered by a swinging Tim Southee delivery. This was his 3rd duck in 4 matches. Umesh Yadav’s twin strike in his 2nd over left Mumbai reeling in the run-chase. Wickets of Kieron Pollard, JP Duminy and skipper Rohit Sharma put the team under massive pressure.

However, Pandya brothers provided some fight with their 56-run stand as Hardik Pandya scored the bulk of the runs. MI needed 60 runs in the final five overs. The Pandyas targeted the 16th over of the innings by de Grandhomme where they smashed him for 17 runs.

Mohammad Siraj and Southee then bowled perfect line and length and did not give any scoring opportunities to the Pandya brothers. In search of the quick runs, both Krunal and Hardik lost their wickets, failing to win the game for Mumbai Indians who are now on the brink of getting ousted from the tournament.

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