After Royal Challengers Bangalore’s (RCB) crucial victory over Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), Punjab Kings opener Mayank Agarwal credited the aggressive powerplay partnership between Virat Kohli and Phil Salt as the turning point that gave RCB belief and momentum in the high-stakes encounter.
Speaking in a post-match analysis segment, Agarwal lauded the RCB opening pair, saying, “Virat Kohli and Phil Salt set the tone brilliantly. Their intent in the powerplay gave RCB the belief that they could dominate the game right from the start. It wasn’t just about scoring quickly — it was about breaking LSG’s confidence early.”
A Fiery Start
Chasing a challenging target set by LSG, RCB got off to a dream start with Kohli and Salt unleashing a barrage of attacking shots. Kohli, known for his classical strokeplay, combined timing with aggression, while Salt brought his fearless English flair to the crease. The duo added over 60 runs within the first six overs, putting pressure on the LSG bowlers who struggled to find rhythm.
The explosive start meant RCB were well ahead of the required run rate early on, giving the middle order a solid platform to finish the game comfortably.
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“It Was All About Belief”
Mayank Agarwal emphasized how crucial belief is in a format like T20. “When your top two walk out with that kind of body language and confidence, it flows through the team. RCB were under pressure, but that start flipped the narrative completely,” he said.
Kohli, who has been in sublime form throughout the season, once again anchored the innings, while Salt’s fearless hitting ensured the bowlers couldn’t settle into a rhythm.
The Bigger Picture for RCB
With this win, RCB have kept their playoff hopes alive. Kohli’s leadership at the top, combined with Salt’s dynamic presence, has emerged as a formidable force for the Bengaluru side. The victory over LSG wasn’t just another league-stage win — it was a statement that RCB aren’t backing down.
Agarwal summed it up aptly: “That kind of start changes dressing room energy. For a team chasing consistency and confidence, it’s exactly what they needed.”
As the tournament nears its business end, RCB’s batting lineup, powered by the Kohli–Salt partnership, might just be peaking at the right time.