'RCB paying the price for not playing as a unit'

Royal Challengers Bangalore captain Virat Kohli admitted that his team has not played as a unit, resulting in five defeats in eight games, including the 32-run loss to Kings XI Punjab on Friday.

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"We did not play as a unit. That is something that has happened in the past few games and we paid the price.

"We could have bowled better and also one or two unfortunate decisions blocked our way (with the bat)," Kohli said, at the post-match presentation ceremony.

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Kohli said that after half of the side was back in the dug-out with barely 50 (52) on board, it was difficult to win from there on.

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"If you lose early wickets it gets difficult. We have chased close to 200 quite a few times at this ground, but it does not happen every time."

Kohli said it might just be a good that RCB will now have to win most of their remaining six matches.

"There is no room for complacency; might just be a blessing in disguise for us.

"We need to pull our socks up. We need to take more responsibility as a batting unit, and also need that bit of luck."

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Kings XI Punjab skipper George Bailey lauded the efforts of David Miller and Sandeep Sharma, the chief architects of Friday's victory.

"The usual suspects with the bat did it for us. It was an outstanding start and our best Powerplay score provided by Viru [Virendra Sehwag] and Mandeep [Singh]. [David] Miller was fantastic; late hitting from the tail-enders got us to a really nice total.

"Among the bowlers, Sandeep has been outstanding. Shivam, in his first game, under a bit of pressure, comes out and bowls outstandingly.

"For a guy who is as young as he is, Sandeep comes to me and he knows what fields he wants. Hats off to our coach, Sanjay Bangar. I was a bit tentative about playing as much spin here. It is a small ground, but Sanjay thought the wicket was a bit slower and it paid off beautifully."

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Now with a foot in the last four, Bailey wants to do well at the back-end of the tournament.

"Hopefully we are playing our best cricket at the back-end of the tournament."

Man of the match Sandeep said he was happy to get the wickets of Kohli and Gayle, adding they were important ones.

"We discussed in our meeting about bowling away going deliveries to him. That was our plan. I am thankful to George Bailey for showing faith in me and giving me the new ball."