'Hurt' Virat Kohli asks RCB team-mates to show more intent in IPL 2017

Bengaluru, April 17: A disappointed Virat Kohli sent out a strong message to his team-mates after Royal Challengers Bangalore's (RCB) 27-run defeat to Rising Pune Supergiant (RPS) in an Indian Premier League (IPL) 2017 match. (Scorecard)

On a double-paced 22-yard strip at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium, RCB batsmen were choked for runs by a disciplined RPS bowling attack.

RCB, packed with explosive batsmen, failed to chase down 162 in 20 overs on Sunday night (April 16). (Kohli's message to RCB fans)

Captain Kohli did not hide his disappointment at the post-match presentation ceremony stating that the way they are playing at the moment they don't deserve to win.

"It is very important (to find the winning formula). Obviously it is not an easy thing to find. Momentum is very important in this format. If we play like this, we don't deserve to win games," Kohli said.

RCB are now at the bottom of the points table with just 1 win from 5 contests.

"Honestly, last game (against Mumbai Indians) we fought really hard. We made a good fight out of the low total (142). Today we left the game drift away right in front of our eyes. It is not a nice feeling.

"If you lose without intent it is never nice. We have got a few things to address. We just can't come out here thinking we are going to play at home and sweep sides away. We need to play good, consistent cricket and be smart about what we want to do. Today, certainly we did not deserve to win. Pune was the better team and they won," Kohli added.

The 28-year-old right-hander urged his team-mates to show "more intent" and play without fear in the remaining matches of the league.

"Guys have to show more intent. We can't play with fear of failure. We can't bowl thinking what if we leak runs. 'What' is massive mistake in sport, especially in cricket.

"We can't afford to do that. Now, we got to be more expressive than before. Last year we had a situation to win 4 out of 4 and we qualified (for play-offs). It is not going to happen every year. So we need to pull our socks up," Kohli stated.

Kohli said the team can't "switch off" and let the game drift away. "If you show intent, play your shots and get out, get hit for runs, then it is fine. But you can't be switched off and let the game drift away. That obviously hurts.

"As professional cricketers, you are playing for a franchise, you are playing in front of so many people, and people expect you to do well. And you have to be at the top of your game. Certainly we weren't (at the top of our game) today and did not deserve to win," Kohli added.

RCB now travel to Rajkot to play against Gujarat Lions (GL) on April 18 (Tuesday).

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