Virat Kohli Blames Himself, AB de Villiers' Exit For RCB's Loss to Sunrisers Hyderabad in IPL Final

Virat Kohli was dignity personified in defeat but did admit that he did not feel good finishing second best as he termed his and AB de Villiers' dismissal as the "big blow" in Royal Challengers Bangalore's loss to Sunrisers Hyderabad in the Indian Premier League final on Sunday.

"Definitely proud of the way we played this season. This was for people of Bengaluru. They have supported us in worst of seasons. We would have loved to be on other side of result. We went for a few but wicket was nice. Me and AB getting out close to each other was a big blow. Had I stayed with AB a little longer, it would have been different," Kohli said at the post-match presentation ceremony.

Asked about scoring 973 runs in one season and the winning the 'Orange Cap', Kohli said:"It is a nice incentive, but it does not feel good to be at the other side of the result. Why Sunrisers won is because they have a strong bowling attack. I knew I was hitting the ball well and I just wanted to keep contributing."

On his record-four centuries in the IPL 9, he said:"I surprised myself there.

"I opened the innings, someone batting at No.3 or No.4 may not have scored much. Most sixes in the tournament surprised me. I am happy with the award. I don't want to talk much. The winning team deserves the place here."

Australian all-rounder Ben Cutting received the man of the match award for smashing an unbeaten 39 off 15 balls and taking two wickets, one of which was the all-important wicket of a marauding Chris Gayle.

"Nice to get a few out of the middle tonight. To finish off that last over was special. That's the beautiful thing about Bangalore," said Cutting

Having won twin world titles, it was Yuvraj Singh's first IPL triumph and he was elated.

"Great performance from the team. We came back strongly.

"Bhuvi and fizz (Mustafizur Rahman), great finish in the end. As long as the trophy comes, I don't mind injuries, it is a great effort," said Yuvraj.

Opener Shikhar Dhawan said:"It has been a great season for me and the team. Davey led from the front from the first game. It has been a great journey. I feel our team is balanced. As the tournament went ahead, we put big runs on the board. Cutting has played just two or three matches, but has performed well."

The 'King of Death' Bhuvneshwar Kumar, who took home the 'Purple Cap' award for finishing as the highest wicket-taker with his 23 scalps said:"I just had to keep myself composed. Getting yorkers right is the best way to bowl. Warner just said to keep my cool and bowl the yorkers."