IPL 2019 | Last four overs that we bowled were unacceptable, slams Virat Kohli

Having set a competitive target of 206, Virat Kohli-led Royal Challengers Bangalore would have backed themselves to secure their first win of the 2019 season. However, a rather forgettable performance by the bowlers in the last five overs of the second innings condemned the Bengaluru-based franchise to their fifth straight defeat in the ongoing league.

RCB captain Virat Kohli rued his side’s dismal bowling performance after KKR, led by Andre Russell’s 13-ball 48*, were able to score 66 runs off the last 24 balls to snatch a sensational win at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium last night.

"There is no guessing there (about where we lost the game), the last 4 four overs that we bowled was just unacceptable. We needed to be more clever, nothing came off and we just cracked under pressure. That's been our story this season so far.

"If you bowl with not enough bravery in the crucial overs, it's always going to be difficult against power-hitters like Russell. If you can't defend 75 in the last four overs, then I don't know if you can defend 100. We can have a bit of chat about what went wrong, apart from that nothing much you can say. I don't think talking enough helps all the time," Kohli said at the post-match interview.

Kiwi pacer Tim Southee ended the game with figures of 0/61 after four overs while India pacer Mohammed Siraj also proved to be expensive giving away 36 runs in 2.2 overs.

The skipper also admitted that RCB’s performance in the 2019 season has been disappointing thus far but is optimistic that things can change over the next few games.

"You need to give the guys some space and come back stronger in the next game. It's been a disappointing season so far, but we are still optimistic about our chances," added Kohli.