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‘This century is much sweeter than the first because we could romp home this time’
Royal Challengers Bangalore captain Virat Kohli said that his match-winning unbeaten ton in the Indian Premier League match against Rising Pune Supergiants was ‘sweeter’ than the first one he hammered.
IPL PHOTOS: Kohli's ton helps Bangalore ease past Pune
"This century is much sweeter than the first because we could romp home this time. I think we needed a victory to pull ourselves up after losing the earlier match where I got my first century of the season," he said.
Kohli gave credit to Lokesh Rahul and Shane Watson for their contributions in Bangalore's seven-wicket win over Pune.
"I think one player cannot win you a game. I was supported very well by KL at the top and then Watto came in and made a quickfire 36 runs," said Kohli who hit 108 not out to guide Royal Challengers Bangalore to a seven-wicket win over Pune.
On Shane Watson's influence on the team, Kohli said Saturday's performance both with the bat and the ball by the Australian all-rounder probably was the best which he had given to any IPL team before.
"He was brilliant with his bat and ball in this match. I think this was the best contribution he made for any IPL team before. Great to see him bounce back. He was pumped to come out good after a couple of bad innings with his bat," he said.
Replying to a query, Kohli said Chris Gayle was not rested but Travis Head was in the playing eleven for his all-round abilities.
"Gayle wasn't rested. We chose Travis Head in place of him because we felt that we needed more solidity in the middle. Travis strikes the ball really well and KL (Rahul) and me are opening well for the team, and Travis can bowl off-spin as well in the middle if need be," he said.
Also, Travis was brought in as Pune boasted of three left-handed batsmen, Kohli said.
Kohli said he would not want to lose an outstanding fielder in A B De Villiers by asking him to keep wickets.
"To ask AB keep will be too far costly, for we would miss his services on the field. He is an outstanding fielder. If you take away a good fielder like AB, it will leave our team with nothing in fielding aspect," he said.