Royal Challengers Bengaluru talisman Virat Kohli said they started playing for their own self-respect in the second half of Indian Premier League 2024. RCB could only manage one win in the first eight matches of the season and thus they were on the verge of elimination.

However, the Faf du Plessis-led team was able to turn the tables in the second phase of the tournament, winning six matches on the bounce to qualify for the playoffs.

RCB defeated the defending champions CSK by 27 runs to get ahead in the NRR but suffered a four-wicket loss against RR in the Eliminato on Wednesday. 

Meanwhile, Virat Kohli was once again at his absolute best for RCB, scoring 741 runs in 15 innings at an average of 61.75 and a strike rate of 154.69. Kohli is currently the highest run-getter of the tournament and he is likely to get the Orange Cap award.

“Our performance in the first half of the season was under-par. The standards that we have as cricketers, we were not living up to them. And then, we just started expressing ourselves, started playing for our own self-respect and then the confidence came back,” said Kohli in a video by RCB’s Twitter handle.

“The way we turned things around and qualified was truly special, something that I will always cherish and remember because it took a lot of character and heart from each member of the team, something that we can be proud of. Eventually we played how we wanted to play,” he added.

Kohli gave gratitude to RCB’s fans for their unwavering support throughout the season.

“The support from fans is unwavering. This season was exactly the same, it wasn’t any different. Will always be thankful for that and will always be grateful for the way they turn out in numbers, not just in Bengaluru but all over the country where we play. Thank you so much for your support and wishes,” said Kohli.

Kohli will be seen in action in the upcoming T20 World Cup.