GT vs RCB: "The Moment the Powerplay Ended, Virat Kohli Slowed Down.."- Jadeja's scathing remark
Published - 26 Apr 2024, 02:55 PM | Updated - 23 Aug 2024, 01:10 AM
Former Indian cricketer Ajay Jadeja commented on Virat Kohli's batting approach during the match between Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH). Ajay Jadeja noted that Virat Kohli started with an aggressive approach but slowed down in scoring after the powerplay.
The Royal Challengers managed to put up a total of 207 runs at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad on Thursday, April 25. Virat Kohli scored 51 runs off 43 balls, including four boundaries and one six. The visiting team restricted Hyderabad to 171/8 and secured a 35-run victory.
Virat Kohli made an explosive start during the powerplay, scoring 32 runs off the first 18 balls. However, he lost momentum and managed just 19 runs off the 25 balls he faced outside the powerplay. This performance has sparked a debate about his strike rate within the cricketing community.
Virat Kohli Looked To Be In A Different Mood - Ajay Jadeja
Ajay Jadeja pointed out that Virat Kohli started aggressively, similar to SunRisers Hyderabad's strategy. Jadeja stated that Kohli slowed down after a promising start, considering RCB's rigid batting strategy.
"When Virat Kohli started, he looked to be in a different mood altogether. When he scored some 24 off the first 11-12 balls, we felt RCB did what SRH had been doing to other teams. But the main difference between SRH and RCB is that when RCB got ahead, they slowed down. Maybe they weren't aiming that high," Jadeja said on Jio Cinema.
"Talking about Kohli's consistency is like explaining the existence of the sun. The moment the Powerplay ended, he slowed down. It could be because RCB lost two wickets, maybe. Sometimes, it looks as if RCB are very adamant about their roles. DK will always come out at the end. And in doing that, RCB pull the hand-brake," he added.
The 35-year-old leads the batting charts in the 17th season of the Indian Premier League. He has amassed 430 runs in nine matches at an average of 61.43 with a strike rate of 145.76. Despite his success, his team is struggling at the bottom of the table, having won just two matches.
Virat Kohli Transformed Himself - RP Singh
Former India fast bowler RP Singh highlighted Virat Kohli's transformation during the powerplay, noting his aggressive shots. However, Singh stated that Kohli's pace slowed down after the fall of a wicket.
"He has transformed himself inside the Powerplay. We don't usually get to see such shots from him anymore. He takes his time, backs himself and plays as per the ball. He went to attack alright. He tried to disturb the line and length of the bowlers, but once the wicket fell, he got slow," RP Singh said on Jio Cinema.
Kohli helped the RCB team reach 61/1 at the power play. However, between overs 7 and 15, Kohli surprisingly did not hit any boundaries. Rajat Patidar reached his half-century off just 20 balls, while the former RCB skipper was struggling at the other end.
The Bengaluru-based team will take on the Gujarat Titans (GT), led by Shubman Gill, in their next match at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Sunday, April 28.
