Aakash Chopra shared his opinion about Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) batsman Virat Kohli’s struggles in the 41st match of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024. Aakash Chopra said Virat Kohli failed to score a boundary in eight overs after the powerplay against SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH).
The Bengaluru-based team registered their second win of the 2024 IPL season at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad. The visiting team defeated Hyderabad by 35 runs in the last match. However, Virat Kohli came under fire as cricket experts questioned his strike rate.
Virat Kohli slowed down after that – Aakash Chopra
In a video shared on his YouTube channel, Aakash Chopra highlighted the difference in Virat Kohli’s approach during and after the powerplay. Chopra stated that Kohli did not hit a boundary in the eight overs after the powerplay.
“Virat Kohli was very, very aggressive in the powerplay but slowed down after that. He probably scored just 19 runs from the last 25 balls he faced. He probably got out in the 14th or 15th over, but his last boundary came from the third ball.” of the sixth over, not even a single boundary came from his bat after the powerplay. Chopra said.
Virat Kohli and Faf du Plessis got the team off to a flying start after winning the toss. The batting duo scored 48 runs in 3.5 overs. Faf scored 25 runs off 12 balls before being dismissed by T Natarajan. Kohli scored 32 runs off the first 18 balls as the RCB team finished the powerplay at 61/1.
Virat Kohli tried a bit but couldn’t score – Aakash Chopra
The cricketer-turned-commentator praised Rajat Patidar for maintaining RCB’s momentum during the middle overs. Chopra stated that Cameron Green’s contribution further propelled her innings towards crossing the 200-run mark.
“He tried a little bit but couldn’t hit it. When he was slow, Rajat Patidar managed the party. 27 runs were scored in one over by Mayank Markande “This boost was given by Cameron Green.” Chopra added.
Rajat Patidar scored a quick half-century off just 19 balls, including two fours and five sixes. However, Patidar was released after reaching the milestone. Cameron Green scored an unbeaten 37 runs from 20 deliveries as the RCB team posted a challenging total of 206/7 in 20 overs.
Virat Kohli played the powerplay brilliantly – Harbhajan Singh
On Star Sports, Harbhajan Singh expressed concerns over Virat Kohli’s performance after the powerplay. Harbhajan noted that Kohli’s strike rate could have been slightly better and highlighted his slow batting after the powerplay.
“He played the power play brilliantly because the field was there and you also have the gaps. When the pitch opens up, I’m not saying you have to convert every ball into a four, but the strike rate could have been a little better because he scored 20 runs in 27 balls, Harbhajan said.
Virat Kohli will next be seen in action when Royal Challengers Bangalore take on Gujarat Titans (GT) at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Sunday, April 28. The team led by Faf du Plessis will be eliminated if they lose their next game.
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