Virat Kohli hit a 34-ball 49, which included six fours and a six, to take his tally to 228 runs in the tournament at an average of 57, claiming the Orange Cap. | Photo Credit: K. Murali Kumar

Virat Kohli on Wednesday said he was satisfied with his intensity and approach despite not being at full fitness as Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) registered a comfortable five-wicket win over Lucknow Super Giants in an Indian Premier League (IPL) match here.

Kohli struck a 34-ball 49 to set up RCB’s chase of 146, which it completed in just over 15 overs.

“Much better than the last game. I’m still not 100 per cent. My knee was a bit sore last game. Even health-wise, I’ve been under the weather for four or five days now. So, just getting back up to my best,” Kohli said after the match.

The former India captain was seen training with his left knee heavily strapped ahead of the game at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium.

Kohli hit six fours and a six to take his tally to 228 runs in the tournament at an average of 57, claiming the Orange Cap.

“I started off well today, so I was happy with my intensity. Again, would have liked to carry on and finish the game off. Sometimes, you have to take the conditions into account as well.

“The pitch slowed down considerably, and I just wanted to probably keep going in the same manner. But, yeah, in the end, should have probably finished that one off as well.”

RCB skipper Rajat Patidar continued his aggressive form with a 13-ball 27, earning praise from Kohli for his clarity and intent.

“We have our KPIs as a batting unit, and it says Rajat (Patidar) to go in and assess the situation. I always tell him, you’re probably looking to assess the bowler’s heart rate rather than the situation... I mean, incredible clarity,” the former India captain said.

“The way our management has stacked up the team allows us to play in a certain way. I have to adapt my role accordingly. It allows me to play a certain way up front with Salty (Phil Salt), so we pass on the baton nicely.

“The freedom of having Romario (Shepherd) and Tim (David)... KP (Krunal Pandya)hasn’t even batted yet. We’re sitting on a batting unit that’s explosive and getting the job done. It looks intimidating if you have Romario and Tim walking in, even after five down. These guys can get you 50 runs in four overs... that gives all of us a lot of freedom.”

Reflecting on the changing demands of T20 cricket, Kohli said adaptability will be crucial as the tournament progresses.

“Well, it depends on the situation and the condition as well for me. Not all games are going to be 230, 240...the demands of the modern game are pretty different, but you always have to keep an eye out on the situation and when people play under pressure,” he said.

Published on Apr 16, 2026