RCB vs DC: "Virat Kohli Isn't Vintage Anymore.."- Tom Moody

Former Australian cricketer and renowned commentator Tom Moody heaped praise on Virat Kohli for his exceptional performance in the ongoing IPL 2024. Highlighting Kohli’s remarkable athleticism and batting prowess despite being 35- years -old, Moody praised the Indian batter maestro’s agility and breathtaking fielding efforts in the ongoing IPL 2024.

However, Moody admitted that Kohli is no longer in his prime, but the way the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) batter sprinted from the deep, dove to the ground, and executed a precise throw shows Kohli's exceptional fitness and commitment to excellence.

Apart from his outstanding fielding, the dashing right-hander is in red-hot form with the bat for the RCB in the ongoing IPL 2024, where he has amassed 634 runs at an impressive average of 70.44 and an amazing strike rate of 153 in 12 matches. He is currently the Orange Cap holder in the ongoing season.

Tom Moody lauds Virat Kohli's agility and batting brilliance in IPL 2024

Tom Moody said on 'Star Sports Cricket Live': “It's quite remarkable, especially considering he's not the same as the vintage Virat Kohli, but he's also not 21 anymore; he's 30. So, that's brilliant what he's done there. Running in from the deep, throwing himself to the ground, and managing to make the throw from that position is no easy feat. That's something we've definitely taken into consideration. It's truly extraordinary.

Moody further noted, "He's not just a fielder; he's also contributed with the bat, scoring 92 runs and spending considerable time out in the middle. Despite the physical exertion, he's always running around in the field like no one else. In the middle of the innings of that second innings he still managed to display the focus, enthusiasm, fitness, and agility required to execute a run-out like that.”

During the post-match presentation in Dharamshala, Kohli revealed that he employed the slog-sweep technique to counter the spin bowling, and even the former Indian skipper claimed that he had not practiced that shot at nets. Praising his approach, Moody said that he has adapted his preparation methods to manage his performance effectively.

Tom Moody impressed by Virat Kohli's sweep slog

The Aussie also mentioned that Kohli understood that he couldn't engage in the same level of rigorous training as before, but he continued to focus on enhancing his performance through training. Well, Moody praised the effectiveness of Kohli’s use of the sweep slog against spinners during the middle overs, saying it was a valuable weapon in his arsenal.

Notably, Kohli played a remarkable knock of 92 runs off 47 balls to help RCB beat the Punjab Kings (PBKS) by 60 runs in Dharamshala on May 9. Kohli revived the RCB’s campaign this season with his ruthless batting, as they won four consecutive matches following a streak of six losses.

This turnaround has propelled them to 7th spot in the standings with 10 points from 12 games, with two matches remaining against Delhi Capitals (DC) on May 12 and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) on May 18 to keep their hopes of qualifying for the IPL 2024 playoffs alive.