RCB vs GT: Navjot Singh lambasts fans for treating Virat Kohli like a God

Former Indian cricketer and commentator, Navjot Singh Sidhu, stressed that Virat Kohli isn’t “God” and the fans will have to understand that the batting maestro will play like a human, as he was addressing the criticism over his strike rate in the ongoing IPL 2024.

Kohli delivered a pure masterclass with his bat during Royal Challengers Bangalore's (RCB) emphatic nine-wicket victory over Gujarat Titans (GT), showcasing one of his most fluent innings in T20s at the Narendra Modi Stadium on Sunday, April 28.

Kohli’s unbeaten 70 off just 44 balls laced with six fours and three sixes not only propelled Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) to a massive victory but also strengthened his position as the Orange Cap holder in the ongoing IPL 2024.

Virat Kohli remains at the top of the highest run-scorers chart in IPL 2024

It was Kohli's fourth half-century of the season, taking his tally to 500 with an average of 71.4 and a strike rate of 147.4 in 10 matches so far for the RCB. However, Kohli's performance in this season has been commendable, but critics have been continuously targeting him for his strike rate, especially against spinners, in the ongoing IPL 2024.

This criticism intensified after RCB’s IPL 2024 clash with the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), where the former Indian skipper made 51 off 43 balls and it was considered a slow innings. Meanwhile, Navjot Singh Sidhu said that Virat Kohli is ultimately human and subject to human limitations, so it is unfair to expect him to be a god.

He further stressed that people should acknowledge Kohli’s extraordinary achievement of scoring 80 centuries in international cricket instead of overly criticizing his performances in T20 cricket.

Sidhu highlighted Kohli's ability to adapt his gameplay, like playing off the backfoot and lofting spinners, and said that those qualities are proof of his exceptional skills with the bat.

People think Virat Kohli is God: Navjot Singh Sidhu

The cricket commentator also pointed out Kohli's exceptional batting prowess by citing an instance where he aggressively attacked Gujarat Titans' (GT) spinner Sai Kishore for consecutive sixes in the sixth over in Ahmedabad.

Sidhu insisted that no one could match Kohli's proficiency in hitting a slow left-arm bowler and his spin. He also lauded Kohli's commitment to valuing his wicket.

Navjot Singh Sidhu was quoted as saying by Star Sports: “People think Kohli is God. He is a human, so will play like a human too. Rather than nitpick, why don’t we look at the fact that the guy has 80 centuries. That's his strength and weakness, he has none. And if you look carefully, today he played off the backfoot and lofted the spinners.”

Sindhu added, “Tell me how many can do that? Hitting a left-arm spinner against the spin… how many can do that? So Kohli has a presence, he cherishes his wicket too. What else is he supposed to do?”

Notably, Kohli will be seen in action on May 4 at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru when the 10th-ranked RCB will host the GT in match number 52 of the ongoing IPL 2024.