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Xtra Time Web Desk : Royal Challengers Bangalore on Thursday defeated table toppers Gujarat Titans by 8 wickets to keep their playoffs hopes for the Indian Premier League 2022 alive and going, courtesy of a vintage 73 by Virat Kohli.

Being put into bat first, the Gujarat Titans were restricted to a total of 168 by the RCB bowlers, before chasing it down with 10 balls remaining.

And in the post match presentation ceremony, the man of the match Virat Kohli reflected on his performance and said, "I can keep going. It was an important game. I was disappointed that I haven't done much for my team and that is what bothers me, not the stats. Today was a game where I was able to create an impact for the team. Puts us in a good position. There are expectations because of the performances that you have put in. You need to keep the perspective right. You can forget the process in order to live up to the expectations. I have worked really hard. I batted 90 minutes in the nets yesterday. I came in very free and relaxed. It is in that spur of the moment why is it happening to me. It goes back to 2018 in England when I was dropped on 21 and the juggernaut could have started again like it did on the 2014 tour. I won't be standing here being ungrateful for all that I have achieved. With the very first shot of Shami, I felt I could hit lengths balls over the fielder's head. I knew that tonight was the night when I could kick on. It has been wonderful that I have got so much support in this edition. I am forever grateful to all the love that I have never seen before."

Apart from Kohli, winning skipper Faf Du Plessis was also seen in a relaxed mood as he was quoted saying, "Throughout the season we haven't done as much as have liked. But you still need to back these big players. Virat had been putting in the hard yards in the nets. I play the role with him and get him pumped up. He has got so much emotion and he pulls you through. It is as if you are playing a rugby game. That catch was awesome. We were trying to get some wickets in the powerplay. The run-out was pretty cool as well. When I hit the stumps, I was like what do you say about my arm now? I think tonight was important for obvious reasons. You always want to finish strongly. A few inconsistent performances have put us in this situation. I am banking on Rohit to come good."