25 May 2023 last updated at 18:43 GMT
 
'We are peaking at the right time'
Saturday 12 May 2012

Three successive wins have brought them back in IPL 5 play-offs contention and Royal Challengers Bangalore skipper Virat Kohli says they are peaking at the right time. RCB on Friday beat Pune Warriors India by 35 runs to move up to third in the standings, behind Delhi Daredevils and Kolkata Knight Riders.

Kohli was happy with his bowlers' performance. "The last two games, we have bowled well. The bowlers have stepped up and we are peaking at the right time which is good," Kohli said.

Asked about Saurabh Tiwary being sent ahead of AB de Villiers, Kohli said it was a conscious attempt to give the Indian enough overs under his belt. "We wanted to give Saurabh Tiwary some game time, before we get to the playoffs. AB is a class player, who can bat at any number. Just wanted to make Saurabh more confident about himself," he said.

Steven Smith, who skippered Pune in place of Sourav Ganguly, said leading the side was fun. "It was good fun. We are already out of the play-offs so had the guys around and wanted to play with a bit of freedom," he said.

Chris Gayle, who came up with another blistering half-century, said he was not sure if he was in the form of his life. "Yeah timing them well, don't know whether I am in my best form," the Orange Cap holder said. "I sleep the whole day after breakfast to get in shape for the game."

PTI

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