(Cricket news) Yesterday in the IPL, Royal Challengers Bangalore defeated Gujarat Titans by 8 wickets with 8 balls to spare. The match was a must win for RCB to keep their playoff hopes alive. They still need Mumbai Indians to beat Delhi Capitals in order to book their place in the Eliminator. Even though things are not in their hands, a win against the table toppers was needed and they delivered it impressively. The biggest takeaway from the match was the innings of Virat Kohli which won the Player of the Match award.

RCB had to chase 169 runs in the 2nd innings when Virat Kohli and Faf du Plessis walked out to bat. The pair had a partnership of 115 runs before du Plessis was dismissed. Kohli scored 73 off 54 balls to lead RCB to victory in what was a much awaited big knock from the former Indian captain. The innings included 8 boundaries and 2 maximums along with classic Kohli quick singles and doubles. Normal service was resumed as Kohli played an invaluable knock to get his team over the line in a must win match. He did have his fair share of luck during the innings but at the same time he also played some exquisite strokes. The batter was very emotive throughout the innings which looked like the Kohli of old. 

Virat Kohli couldn't have picked a better match to get back amongst the runs. The innings comes almost at a perfect time even if it turns out to be RCB's last game. Indian cricket fans will be absolutely pleased to see Kohli scoring big runs again. India have T20 series against South Africa and Ireland where all format players like Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul, Virat Kohli, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami and Ravindra Jadeja are likely to be rested. The big game is the remaining Test against England which is the series decider and could also play a big part in the World Test Championship standings. Team India needs the absolute best of Virat Kohli in that match. This particular innings even if it is in the IPL will be a massive confidence booster for him.

RCB will be asking MI for a massive favour which is certainly well within the realms of possibility. If RCB do end up qualifying then Virat Kohli will certainly be very crucial. Kohli hasn't had a very good IPL season or a good cricketing year in general. The high standards that he has set for himself means that a minor slip in form is made into a big issue. Now that Kohli has played the innings that has the potential to turn things around, he will have to keep going. Now that he is not captain of any team, his bat will have to do all the talking.

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