Virat Kohli was all praise for pacer Harshal Patel, who bagged the Man of the Match award with five for 27 on Friday.

“Harshal is relishing the role. He is going to be our designated death bowler. Very confident about what he wants to bring to the table and as a captain you want someone with that clarity,” the RCB captain said after their victory.

“The wickets that he got weren’t fluke wickets. He actually wanted the guys to hit the ball where he wanted them caught.”

Patel said he was clear about his role when he came to RCB. “When they traded me they told me I was part of their plans and would bowl at the death. Absolutely happy to be here to repay the faith showed in me,” the 30-year-old said.

“I didn’t know I was the first to get a five-for against Mumbai. Whatever momentum I had I wanted to make use of it.”

Rohit Sharma felt they would improve as the tournament progresses.

“Winning the championship is important I guess, not the first game. Great fight, we didn’t let it go easily.”