IPL: Kohli hails Hyderabad's 'strong' bowling attack

After going down to Sunrisers Hyderabad in the final of the Indian Premier League (IPL), a visibly dejected Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) skipper Virat Kohli credited Hyderabad's famed bowling unit for their maiden title.

Thanking the crowd for their support, Kohli admitted his and South African AB de Villiers' dismissals in quick succession did not help RCB's cause as they fell short by eight runs at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium here 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 on Sunday.

Kohli, who bagged the orange cap after finishing as the top run-getter with 973, said Hyderabad's strong bowling attack helped the side register the win.

"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," he said.

Known for his immaculate timing and technique, the Delhi batsman who smashed four centuries this season, said he had the advantage of opening the innings, else scoring centuries would have been difficult batting down the order.

"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," the 27-year-old, who also emerged the highest six hitter of the tournament (38) said.

On the other hand, young medium pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar, who bagged the purple cap for emerging as the highest wicket-taker with 23 scalps, said bowling yorkers worked for him in the tournament.

"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," he said.

--IANS

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