Sunil Gavaskar passes another crunching verdict as Virat Kohli stuns with his fielding skills

Indian batting maestro Virat Kohli's athleticism once again left everyone in awe for him, despite the Royal Challengers Bangaluru’s (RCB) IPL 2024 campaign ending abruptly with a four-wicket loss to the Rajasthan Royals (RR) in the eliminator at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on May 22.

After Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) set a target of 172, Rajasthan Royals (RR) looked comfortable with Riyan Parag (36) and Dhruv Jurel (8) steering their team past the 100-run mark at the Narendra Modi Stadium. The Royals’ chase was under control until Kohli's magic in the field turned the tide for RCB; however, it didn’t make much difference for RR.

Virat Kohli's fielding heroics shine amid RCB's IPL 2024 exit

The incredible moment came at the start of the 14th over of RR’s successful chase of 173 runs in Ahmedabad. Kohli's extraordinary fielding led to Jurel's run-out, breaking his 26-run stand with Parag. As Jurel attempted a second run, Kohli, positioned at deep square leg, sprinted to his left to collect Parag's pull shot off Cameron Green’s delivery.

Displaying his trademark athleticism, the RCB star batter delivered a powerful throw to the non-striker's end. Green, waiting at the stumps, swiftly removed the bails as Jurel felt short of his ground by mere millimeters, and Kohli’s mind-blowing efforts won legendary Sunil Gavaskar’s heart.

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Jurel's casual approach to completing the second run proved costly for him. Despite Kohli's stunning efforts, RCB could not capitalize on this breakthrough, as RR chased down the target in the 19th over to eliminate the Bengaluru team from the IPL 2024.

Sunil Gavaskar praises Virat Kohli's magnificent fielding effort

Meanwhile, Gavaskar, a former Indian batting legend and celebrated commentator, was left awestruck by Kohli’s remarkable fielding to run out Jurel in the match. He described Kohli’s efforts as “magnificent” and called out Jurel for taking one of the finest fielders of the game lightly.

Praising Kohli, Sunil Gavaskar said on-air: “Yes, the throw is even more important. Flat! Once you hesitate, you do not proceed. Was there a second run? You also see who the fielder is. Any other fielder, go for the second. This is a big deal, big deal. I think he is gone. Magnificent effort. He has got RCB back in the game.”

Notably, Kohli is the leading run scorer in the IPL 2024, with 741 runs to his name in 15 matches at an impressive average of 61 and a strike rate of 154.69. He consistently led RCB from the front, but yet again, ended the campaign on a disappointed note.

With RCB's exit, Kohli now shifts his focus to national duty, as the Indian cricket team is gearing up for the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup 2024, starting on June 1 in the USA and Caribbean.

Like fans and Team India, Kohli would love to continue his red-hot form in the upcoming T20 World Cup 2024, where the Men in Blue will kick off their campaign against Ireland on June 5 in New York.