‘Virat Kohli is like a soda bottle’: RCB star slammed over strike rate vs SRH
IPL 2024, SRH vs RCB: Virat Kohli extended his lead in the Orange Cap standings, but the former captain struggled to find boundaries after the powerplay. Kohli was dismissed for 51 off 43 balls in Hyderabad on Thursday.
In Short
- Virat Kohli hit 51 off 43 balls vs SRH in Hyderabad
- Virat Kohli scored 32 runs in the powerplay in just 18 balls
- He slowed down against spin, hitting just 19 runs in his next 25 balls
Virat Kohli's intent and strike rate were questioned after he hit a 43-ball 51 on a good batting pitch in Hyderabad against home team SRH in an IPL 2024 match on Thursday, April 2. Kohli's lack of aggression after the powerplay overs was baffling as RCB were looking to set a massive total against SRH, who have been scoring 250-plus for fun in the ongoing season. Kohli's strike rate dipped as his innings progressed.
Virat Kohli came out all guns blazing, starting his innings with a boundary against left-arm spinner Abhishek Sharma. He then showcased intent against SunRisers captain Pat Cummins, dancing down the track and welcoming him into the attack with a boundary. Kohli was looking set for a big total as he was on 32 at the end of the 6-over mark, hitting 4 boundaries and a six in 18 deliveries.
SRH vs RCB: Updates | Scorecard
However, Virat Kohli did not hit a single boundary after the powerplay. In fact, he managed just 19 runs from 25 balls after the powerplay -- when more than 2 fielders were allowed outside the 30-yard circle. Kohli struggled against spinners Shahbaz Ahmed and Mayank Markande as his scoring rate dropped drastically. The slower balls from Jaydev Unadkat also troubled Kohli and the former captain fell to the left-arm pacer 15th over.
Kohli's struggle against spin was difficult to understand as Rajat Patidar, batting alongside him, smashed the SRH spinners into the stands. He hit 4 sixes in an over bowled by Mayank Markande and finished with 50 off just 20 balls. Markande smashed 5 sixes as he kept the scoreboard moving when Kohli was struggling to get going.
A section of fans questioned Virat Kohli's approach and feared for India's chances in the T20 World Cup, arguing that such an approach, especially after the powerplay, might prove detrimental to Team India. Kohli, who did not play T20I cricket in 2023, returned to the format in January and is in contention to make the T20 World Cup.
Virat Kohli, however, went past 400 runs for the 10th time in his IPL career, extending his lead in the Orange Cap standings. Kohli was similarly criticised for his 113 which came in 72 balls against Rajasthan in Jaipur. Despite Kohli's score, RCB posted only 182 which the Royals chased down in just 16.5 overs.