Virat Kohli: IPL 2024: Virat Kohli’s worrying stats ahead of Rajasthan Royals-Royal Challengers Bengaluru clash | Cricket News – Times of India
Virat Kohli sparked excitement with a cheeky commentary on his “strike rate” following an impressive display of 7 fours and 6 sixes in the thrilling PBKS versus RCB IPL 2024 showdown.
Reflecting on his performance after delivering a remarkable 92 runs off just 47 balls against Punjab Kings in an IPL 2024 clash in Dharamsala, Virat Kohli engaged in a discussion about his strike rate.
Virat Kohli’s presence inevitably commands attention. His prowess as a consistent run-scorer often makes headlines, even in instances where he experiences a slight setback. Particularly in T20 matches, the focus intensifies on his strike rate, a metric emblematic of the fast-paced nature of the format. However, is it fair to scrutinize a player of Kohli’s caliber, especially when he reigns as the leading run-scorer with an Orange Cap in IPL 2024, boasting a striking rate of 148? This contemplation seems to have struck a nerve with Kohli.
Following his exceptional performance of scoring a blazing 92 runs from just 47 deliveries against Punjab Kings in Dharamsala, Kohli once again drew attention to his strike rate. Notably, his strike rate soared to a staggering 195.74 against PBKS, maintaining its vigor throughout the innings. The outcome? RCB achieved their highest score of the season, elevating Kohli’s strike rate from 148 to 153 for the year.
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Kohli further solidified his position as the Orange Cap holder, establishing a substantial lead over CSK skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad. With 634 runs in 13 matches, Kohli continues to dominate the batting charts.
“Maintaining my strike rate throughout the innings was crucial, as I aimed to sustain the momentum,” remarked Kohli with a sly grin during the mid-innings interview with the broadcasters.
Kohli delivered seven fours and six sixes. The fumbling Punjab fielders paid the price for their lapses, allowing Kohli and Patidar to capitalize on the opportunities, forming a formidable partnership of 72 runs off 32 balls after being tasked with batting.
Kohli, granted reprieves when he was at 0 and 10, capitalized on the chances, showcasing impeccable timing and utilizing his footwork and wristwork to notch up his sixth IPL fifty of the season.
“We could have reached 250”: Virat Kohli
“Following Rajat’s dismissal, we faced a challenging phase, with three wickets down and rain interruptions. We needed some time to settle, but once Cameron started firing, I felt compelled to push forward,” shared Kohli.
Patidar, also granted two lifelines, set the stage with his aggressive approach, smashing six maximums and three boundaries during his 23-ball 55. Kohli and Cameron Green (46 off 27 balls) sustained the onslaught, contributing 92 runs off 46 balls to propel RCB past the 200-run mark.
Green registered five fours and a six before succumbing to a catch on the final delivery of the innings as RCB amassed 77 runs in the last five overs. “The pitch exhibited varied characteristics, with some deliveries skidding on the grassy patches. It presented a golden opportunity for our bowlers to make early breakthroughs. We weren’t fixated on a specific total while batting first; however, we believed that crossing the 230-run mark would be commendable on this wicket. Our bowlers exude confidence owing to recent successes, and that was the prevailing mindset. I must commend Harshal (Patel) for an exceptional over; otherwise, we could have breached the 250-run mark,” Kohli concluded.