After a string of dismal innings, Virat Kohli roared back to form with a blistering half-century against Gujarat Titans at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. Kohli slammed 73 off 54 deliveries to get Royal Challengers Bangalore off to a brisk start.
It was a must-win game for the franchise, and Kohli rose to the occasion and guided Bangalore to an eight-wicket win over Gujarat Titans. They have climbed to the fourth position in the points table. A defeat for Delhi Capitals in the last game will secure a playoff spot for Bangalore.
“I can keep going. It was an important game. I was disappointed that I haven’t done much for my team and that is what bothers me, not the stats. Today was a game where I was able to create an impact for the team. Puts us in a good position,” said Kohli in the post-match conference.
Throughout the season he has been finding different ways to get out. While he has always preferred pace on his bat, Kohli, at his peak, was more than a handy player against spin. This season, however, his game against both pacers and spinners has taken a massive hit. A pedestrian strike rate of 117 despite being a top-order batter tells a lot about the kind of season he is having.
His form has been among the major reasons for Royal Challengers Bangalore’s inconsistency. With IPL approaching its business end, the franchise badly needed its former captain to put an end to his batting woes. His first century in IPL 2022 came against the same franchise, but then Kohli had to face a lot of flaks for his sluggish approach – scoring 58 off 53 deliveries.
On Thursday, Kohli turned back the clock, essaying sumptuous cover drives, masterful flicks, and lifting the ever-mysterious Rashid Khan’s googly over mid-off. Kohli later stated how his two fours against Mohammed Shami in the second over boosted his confidence.
“With the very first shot of Shami, I felt I could hit length balls over the fielder’s head. I knew that tonight was the night when I could kick on. It has been wonderful that I have got so much support in this edition. I am forever grateful for all the love that I have never seen before,” said Kohli.
Here’s how the fans reacted to Kohli’s match-winning knock:
(Featured Image Credit: @Virat Kohli)
