Virat Kohli made a rousing return from injury with 62 off 47 balls before Mumbai Indians fought back to restrict Royal Challengers Bangalore to 142 for five in the Indian Premier League here today.
RCB failed to capitalise on the good work done by Kohli, managing just 31 runs off the last five overs and lost four wickets.
Kohli, out of action for almost a month with a shoulder injury he suffered during the third Test against Australia, got into the groove in no time.
After mistiming a short ball off Harbhajan Singh for a single in the second over of the innings, Kohli found his ominous touch.
The next over bowled by pacer Tim Southee saw him hitting a straight six and a couple of fours, one was a crisp pull shot and another a whip over mid-on.
All this while his opening partner Chris Gayle (22 off 27) was not unable to unleash the big hits he is known for. Though the West Indian did manage to hit a six off Harbhajan, he was far from his best.
Kohli, who smashed five boundaries and two sixes, got to his half century by a dispatching a full toss off Jasprit Bumrah for a maximum.
However, RCB lost their way after his dismissal in the 16th over, struggling to 127 for five from 110 for one in a space of 17 balls.
The opening partnership of 63 runs between Kohli and Gayle turned out to the highest, followed by a 47-run stand between the captain and Ab de Villiers (19 off 21 balls).
Barring Kohli, the star studded batting line-up flattered to deceive.
The Mumbai bowlers who impressed were Mitchell McClenaghan, Hardika Pandya and Harbhajan, who opened the bowling for the second time this season.
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