'Will play more fearless cricket to give ourselves a fair chance of finishing in top two' - Virat Kohli after RCB secure playoff berth

Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) defeated Punjab Kings (PBKS) by six runs to become the third team after Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Delhi Capitals (DC) to book a berth in the IPL 2021 playoffs. The skipper was delighted after the win and said that RCB will look to play fearless cricket in the remaining two games to give themselves a fair of finishing in the top two.

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"It feels amazing. After 2011, we haven't done it with games to spare. Eight wins out of 12 games is a great campaign. We have two more opportunities to finish in the top two. Should give us motivation to play even more fearlessly."

RCB is having a dream season and the win was their eighth in 12 games. Both Virat Kohli and Devdutt Padikkal have been rock solid at the top throughout the tournament and today was no different. The duo laid the platform for a big score with a 68 run stand. While RCB lost a bit of momentum in the middle overs, a blistering knock of 57 off 33 balls by Glenn Maxwell took RCB to a competitive 164. KL Rahul and Mayank Agarwal once again gave PBKS a good start but Yuzvendra Chahal-led bowling attack pulled things back to push RCB into the playoffs.

Over the years, RCB's bowling has been their weak link but it’s a complete turnaround in the current season where the bowlers have been equally good. Kohli lauded the bowlers and hoped that they keep on doing the good work in the build up to the playoffs.

"The resurgence of Siraj, ever since he has done well in Test cricket. Harshal's inclusion has been outstanding. Yuzi has chipped in, as has Shahbaz. Garton has come in. If the players don't step up, then the campaign goes off track," he concluded.