Virat Kohli To Focus On Chasing Targets In IPL 2017

Virat Kohli is eager to make a comeback in the 10th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL). With their big-hitting batsmen back in the mix, Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) would prefer chasing targets, says skipper Kohli, who is set to play against Mumbai Indians in Bengaluru on Friday. A shoulder injury sustained during the Australia Test series ruled Kohli out of the first two games while AB de Villiers and Chris Gayle played a game each as RCB opted to set target in the first two games.

"Now with me coming back and all specialist batsmen playing, the thinking might change back again. Bangalore has generally been a ground where you can chase down high totals and tomorrow being a day game obviously that really matters a lot because under the lights the wicket is better during the day time," Kohli said ahead of clash against Mumbai Indians.

The captain emphasized on winning the away games to go deep in the tournament.

"We know we play good cricket at home but last year we won really some good matches away from home and that is why we reached the final, so in order to do that, that is the most important thing factor in IPL, we need to win away games. That is something that we will stay in focus for us through the season if we want to make it to play-offs."

#ViratKohli IS BACK! @imVkohli @RCBTweets #RCB pic.twitter.com/3TGUdDtx4g

— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) April 13, 2017

Kohli hinted that he may play both De Villiers and Gayle on Friday and have Kedar Jadhav keep wickets.

"Chris has always been a priority for us in the past so many seasons. Last game was a scenario where AB came in, Watto came in and other two guys were bowling well. I think that is why Chris was left out in the last game, but yes what works for us in Bangalore we would definitely go with the strongest combination possible. Chris is the top contender for us to be playing the home games for us," Kohli made it clear.

Asked if it was conscious decision to not travel with the team in the first two games, Kohli replied in an affirmative.

"Once you travel with the team, there is a lot happening and to focus on one guy is not fair. So you rather stay away and then do your work. I just wanted to let the guys focus on their game and then do their work on the sidelines," adding that he actually liked staying away from limelight.

"Actually, I enjoyed staying away from it a little bit, not having a camera sitting in the dugout, so I think it was quite refreshing. It was a good break for me."

In his absence, Shane Watson led the side but the captain refused to comment on his captaincy style but said he learnt a a few things and that the Australian did a good job.

Good to have @imVkohli back to full fitness and up for selection against the @mipaltan. #RCBvMI

— AB de Villiers (@ABdeVilliers17) April 13, 2017

"I am in no position to judge anyone. I have said this about myself as well. I am not a senior in terms of captain-ship. Yes, I have learnt a lot along the way and I continue to do so. Shane I think did a very good job. He has been very patient with them. He had his plan spot on."

When quizzed on De Villiers' absence from the net, Kohli said, the South African given an exemption considering that he is in good form and had to spend time with his family.

"With AB you never question anything because he understands his game better than anyone else. We are not bothered with him of not having a practice today. It was a conscious decision by him which is to have a bit of time away from the game."

Talking about their opponents, Kohli rated Mumbai Indians highly.

"In IPL, you can't take any team for granted, but Mumbai is anyway one of the stronger sides in the tournament and we certainly need to respect that and focus on our strength of what can we achieve as a side but at the same time we want to be wary of the fact what what Mumbai can bring on the table," he said.

(With inputs from PTI)