IPL 2021: Maxwell’s run-out was the game-changing moment – Virat Kohli

Royal Challengers Bangalore skipper Virat Kohli has admitted that Glenn Maxwell’s run-out was the game-changing moment against Sunrisers Hyderabad at Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi on Wednesday.

RCB had to chase down an under-par score of 142 runs against the Orange Army but they fell short by four runs.

Meanwhile, as Devdutt Padikkal was struggling to even score at run-a-ball, Glenn Maxwell had to take the attack from the get-go. Maxwell was able to hit the ground running for the Virat Kohli-led team in the run-chase. The Australian took some chances in the early phase of his innings against Rashid Khan and it paid off. The right-hander was also able to get doubles, which helped his team in getting the asking rate down.

However, Maxwell was run-out after he had scored a fine knock of 40 runs off just 25 balls. SRH captain Kane Williamson was able to hit the bullseye and Maxwell was well short of the crease. The talisman, who has been in red-hot form in the ongoing season, was looking all set to take RCB over the line.

Virat Kohli said in the post-match presentation, “I don’t think so, the intent has to be to try and get it done as soon as possible. We don’t want to stretch these games too deep, but having lost a couple of early wickets, rebuilding was key. Maxi’s [Maxwell] run-out was the game-changing moment in terms of momentum and Maxi was in the zone to get a couple of big overs. With AB [de Villiers] you are never out of the game, but it is about making sure that the guy who’s in flow is on strike in the crucial moments. We had a good first half with the ball but not as effective with the bat chasing that down. Shahbaz [Ahmed] played a crucial knock at that stage, it is a game of small margins, I think Sunrisers held their nerve and bowled out their last few deliveries pretty well to not allow us to get us those big hits we were looking for. He’s bowling pretty well now, looks like he’s worked on his bowling after all the time off and is back to the bowling way we know he can. Him bowling well has always been a good sign for the team. He’s been magnificent with the ball [on Yuzvendra Chahal’s resurgence]”.

On the other hand, Kohli also heaped praise on Sunrisers Hyderabad’s young gun fast bowler Umran Malik, who has impressed with his express pace. Malik accounted for KS Bharat and conceded only 21 runs in his four overs. Malik also bowled the fastest ball of the season at 152.95 kmph.

Kohli added, “This tournament throws up talent every year, good to see a guy bowling at 150 clicks [on Umran Malik]. It is important to understand the progress of individuals from hereon. The pool of fast bowlers being strong is always a good sign for Indian cricket and whenever you see talent like this, you are going to have your eyes on them and make sure you maximise their potential which is already being seen at the IPL level. We have been very professional as a team to handle both losses and victories, we haven’t been over the top or too low with losses. A little hiccup in the journey but we carry on with the same momentum”.

RCB will play their next match against DC at Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Friday while Sunrisers Hyderabad will play their last league match of the season against Mumbai Indians at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi on Friday.