Virat Kohli led Royal Challengers Bangalore won their third game against Steven Smith led Rajasthan Royals. Rajasthan batted in the first innings and scored just 154 runs. All-rounder Mahipal Lomror was the leading run-scorer from Rajasthan Royals with his 47 runs, Yuzvendra Chahal took three wickets for RCB.
RCB batsmen backed themselves right from the start of their chase. RCB opener Devdutt Padikkal scored his third half-century the season. Captain Virat Kolhi has also scored 72 runs in the RCB chase after he failed in the first three games.
Kohli praised the 20-year-old Padikkal after he hammered a 45-ball 63 which led RCB to seal their third victory in their fourth IPL match. It was Padikkal’s third half-century in the four matches this season.
“I saw him play and told Simon that this guy has got some serious talent because he’s got reach, a great eye, a great balance,” said Kohli in the post-match presentation ceremony after RCB’s eight-wicket win over Rajasthan Royals on Saturday.
“It’s very difficult for the bowlers to continue bowling same lines and lengths against a lefty. The way he bats…very clean shots. You don’t feel like he is taking risks,” he said.
On Saturday, Padikkal shared a 99-run stand for the second wicket with Kohli to take the game away from Rajasthan Royals. “I just kept talking to him about building an innings,” said Kohli.
“If he can bat longer for the team, it’s going to benefit us. Today he carried from 40 to 65 odd which helped the team eventually. He’s a smart guy, he understands the game well and he responds to the feedback very well. The more he keeps learning, the better it is for RCB.”