RR vs RCB: Virat Kohli Wants To Play Every Ball; Will Have To Leave A Couple Of Balls - Ravi Shastri

Former Indian player Ravi Shastri said senior Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) player Virat Kohli should not go after every ball and should analyse the pitch before opening his hands.

Kohli reinstated his batting position at No.3  with RCB as new skipper Faf du Plessis opened the innings alongside youngster Anuj Rawat.

IPL 2022: Virat Kohli scored 41 vs PBKS

Kohli scored an unbeaten 41 off 29 balls at a strike rate of 141.37, the former RCB skipper just hit one four and a couple of sixes during his 118-run stand with du Plessis against Punjab Kings.

In the second match against KKR, Kohli drove a couple of boundaries to Umesh Yadav on his arrival at the crease but nicked behind the stumps in the very next over of the same bowler.

Virat Kohli have to be a little more watchful: Ravi Shastri

Shastri, who happens to share a great camaraderie with Kohli since his coaching stint with the Indian team in 2014, advised the Indian batter to be cautious with his batting approach and suggested him leave the balls when necessary.

“He’ll have to give himself the opportunity for that (big score). He’ll have to be a little more watchful. Looking from the outside, what I think is he wants to play every ball. Sometimes when you are not amongst the runs, you feel like wanting to play every ball,” Shastri told ESPNcricinfo.

“There should be that discipline where if there’s something in the pitch, swing or seam, then you have to be a little careful at the start. You’ll have to leave a couple of balls as well to get used to the pace and bounce of the bowler. He should give himself some time even if it means leaving some balls,” the former Indian team coach added. 

RCB will face Sanju Samson-led Rajasthan Royals on Tuesday (April 5) at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.

Also Read: IPL 2022: The 2016 IPL Final Loss And The 2016 T20 World Cup Loss Broke My Heart: Virat Kohli