After guiding the chase with an unbeaten 75, Kohli explained that the atmosphere within the dressing room was markedly different from last season, when RCB ended their long wait for a maiden IPL trophy.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cWell, I said to a few of the boys that it doesn\u2019t feel like the same pressure as last year. We knew what kind of ability we have in the group. We topped the table. There\u2019s a reason why we got here first,\u201d Kohli said after RCB clinched a second consecutive title.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The former RCB captain said the team never lost sight of the formula that had made them the competition's most consistent side during the league stage. \u201cAnd we just said one thing: if we stick to our cricket, if we execute our plans, we are the best team in the comp. And there\u2019s a reason why we have done well so far in the group stage. We ended up topping the league stage.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
That confidence was reflected in the final as Bengaluru produced a clinical all-round display to become only the third franchise in IPL history to defend its title.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cAnd yeah, it\u2019s just the skill sets we have, the maturity, the composure of the guys just shone through again tonight and it was a clinical performance,\u201d the veteran batter said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
However, Kohli admitted there was a period after the mid-season break when RCB's path to the final was not entirely straightforward. A defeat followed by a nervy win over Mumbai Indians briefly tested the team's momentum.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cTo be fair, after the break, we had a couple of losses. I mean, one loss and then we had a close win against MI. I\u2019d say that week for us was a bit tricky because we wanted to finish top,\u201d he stated.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
According to Kohli, the narrow victory against Mumbai became a turning point in the campaign as he said, \u201cBut as soon as we got that win against MI, the belief kicked back in. Then we had a comprehensive win against KKR and then, yeah, just ended up topping the table and just on our way to the finals.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Kohli reserved his greatest praise for the squad's depth, highlighting how match-winners emerged throughout the season, removing the burden from any one individual.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cIt\u2019s amazing. We\u2019ve had to wait for so long. And then, you know, just to have a group of guys where you feel like you\u2019re stepping onto the ground, you don\u2019t need to be the one to step up every time. There\u2019s guys behind you, around you, who can win games of cricket for you,\u201d the former India captain noted.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
He pointed to the contributions of both the bowling attack and the batting unit, singling out several players who played crucial roles during the title run.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cWe have so many Man of the Match awards cranked throughout the group as well. I mean, you look at world-class bowling like Hoff, Bhuvi, Duffy. I mean, Krunal Pandya, you know, you can bank on him, as good as ever. Rasikh Dar was brilliant this season. All the batsmen chipped in as well,\u201d Kohli mentioned.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
He pointed to the contributions of both the bowling attack and the batting unit, singling out several players who played crucial roles during the title run.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cSo I feel so happy to play in a group where we have balance, we have strength, and we are an all-round strong team. And yeah, that\u2019s why we have the confidence we have on the field right now,\u201d he concluded.<\/p>\r\n\r\n