Senior batter and former Royal Challengers Bangalore captain Virat Kohli was left extremely impressed by the performance of Rajat Patidar in the crucial eliminator fixture of IPL 2022 at the Eden Gardens. The 28-year-old slammed a fantastic century against Lucknow Super Giants to set RCB on the course for a monumental win in a match that was delayed by rain.
Royal Challengers Bangalore were under intense pressure after Faf du Plessis got out to a golden duck in the very first over of the match. However, Rajat Patidar kept his nerve and saw off the first few deliveries to sort out his feet. He then got few boundaries to build his confidence and innings.
There was no stopping him anymore as he went on to smash 12 boundaries and seven sixes in a thoroughly dominant performance. Patidar remained not out on 112 off 54 deliveries to help RCB get to a gigantic total of 207/4. Their bowling unit, led by Josh Hazlewood and Harshal Patel, ended up defending it as they won by 14 runs and knocked Lucknow Super Giants out of the competition.
Following the match, Virat Kohli, who made 25 off 24, was involved in a candid chat with the man of the match Rajat Patidar on iplt20.com. Hailing his innings as one of the best he has ever seen, Kohli said, “I would like to say that, and I told him as well after the game, I have seen many impact innings and many innings under pressure over so many years. I have not seen many better innings than the one he played today (Wednesday). Under pressure, big game – the first uncapped player in the history of the IPL to get a hundred in the playoffs.”
Virat Kohli, who is no stranger to big games having played and won several in his career, also admitted that the magnitude of the game was so immense that he too, was feeling the nerves.
“I have been in those situations where you have to cross the line as a team. What he did was very, very special and I don’t think anyone should take that for granted. You should understand the excellence of his innings and appreciate as a cricketer to watch an innings like that.”
Royal Challengers Bangalore will now face Rajasthan Royals in the second qualifier. The winner of the contest will meet Gujarat Titans in the final of the competition.
