RCB focussed on winning rather than pondering about terms like Eliminator that create pressure: Virat Kohli

Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) skipper Virat Kohli has stated that his side is simply focused on executing the plans discussed as well as going on winning, which is the only option available. Kohli refused to read too much into terms used for clashes like Eliminator, Qualifier 2 which he believes are used to simply generate pressure for those matches. The Bangalore-based franchise will be taking on Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the Eliminator of the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 on Monday.

“You prepare for all kinds of possibilities, and the way I see it, Qualifiers and Eliminators are just terms that exist to create more pressure for these matches. When you play cricket, you either win or lose, so when you think you have two options (winning or losing), then that mindset can possibly turn into a negative one. Our focus is to go out, execute our plans and win games. When your only option is winning, and losing is not an option, then your performance reaches another level and I feel our team is in the right space to execute our plans,” said Kohli in a video tweeted by Star Sports.

“My game plan won’t change much”

Veteran cricketer AB de Villiers further stated in the video, that the players will look to deliver their best performances in the upcoming encounter. De Villiers has failed to set the stage on fire in the ongoing IPL 2021, but is well capable of making his presence felt on the day.

“Naturally, the intensity goes up when everything is on the line, you think back to when we started the IPL to now – we’ve put in a lot of effort, so it is natural for the juices to start flowing a bit more. Skillset stays the same, my game plan won’t change much, and I think the cricket that we are trying to play will not change much. There will definitely be more to lose for everyone out there – I mean, you lose, you’re going home. You think back on all the effort you have put, you don’t want that to happen. And it’s all on the line, body on the line and stuff, he (Virat Kohli) will be full of adrenaline, as always. And he will be making sure we all are in the fifth gear once the eliminator starts,” said the South African.

“I think we need to do what we are doing and maybe up it a notch. We have been speaking about peaking at the right time. We haven’t played our absolute best, but we’re getting close. If we can get that twitch in the finals, hopefully, there are good things to come. I’m feeling good, haven’t had a lot of opportunities so far. I’m hitting the ball well. Had a bit of a slow start today (against DC). Thought they bowled well to me on a deck that wasn’t easy to bat on, but I’m striking them well. I’m working hard at the nets and am ready to come for the next matches,” he added.