After performing quite well in the first leg of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021, Virat Kohli-led Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) resumed their campaign in the UAE with a poor showing. In their first outing, RCB suffered an embarrassing nine-wicket defeat against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in Match 31 of IPL 2021 earlier this week.
Opting to bat first in Abu Dhabi, RCB were bundled out for 92 and KKR chased down a low target with 10 overs to spare.
IPL 2021 Full Coverage | the schedule | Result | point tally | orange cap | purple hat
Kohli too failed to make an impact, scoring only five runs as KKR’s famous Krishna sent the veteran back into the dugout.
However, RCB head coach Mike Hesson feels the team is ready to claim that Kohli has regained his momentum, and can play some crucial innings in the upcoming matches.
Speaking on RCB’s official YouTube channel, Hesson said, “At times our batsmen do this to get some extra opportunities. Virat is obviously desperate to do well,” Hesson said. (Kohli) prefers one-on-one sessions to gain his confidence to find his rhythm basically and certainly looks like he has found it,” he added.
On Sunday, Kohli had revealed that he would step down as the captain of RCB after the IPL 2021 season. There are apprehensions that the timing of his announcement could create unrest in the RCB camp which will have an impact on his performance in the UAE.
Hesson says Kohli’s announcement has had no effect on the morale of the players as “everyone already knew about it”.
Kohli & Co are still in a comfortable position in the IPL 2021 standings.
They are currently third on the points table with five wins from eight matches and will be confident of a place in the playoffs.
RCB will next take on three-time champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK) at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium on Friday, 24 September.
get all IPL news and cricket score Here
.