Virat Kohli displayed exceptional batting prowess in a memorable performance during the 19th match of the ongoing Indian Premier League 2024. The clash between Rajasthan Royals and Royal Challengers Bengaluru at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur witnessed Kohli’s historic century.
Taking charge for RCB after Faf du Plessis elected to bat first, Kohli forged a robust 125-run opening partnership with Faf du Plessis. Despite the captain’s early dismissal, Kohli steered RCB to a total of 183/3 in 20 overs, remaining unbeaten on 113. The New Delhi-born batsman’s innings was marked by excellence, achieving his fifty in 39 deliveries and completing his century in 67 balls with 12 boundaries and four sixes.
In a lighthearted moment during the game, Kohli jokingly pretended to slap Yuzvendra Chahal, his former RCB teammate, after striking a six off his bowling.
— Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka (@Hanji_CricDekho) April 6, 2024
Reflecting on the match post-game, RCB captain Faf du Plessis discussed the challenging pitch conditions and commended Rajasthan’s spinners. While acknowledging the dew factor aiding batting, du Plessis felt they could have posted a slightly higher total and emphasized Kohli’s crucial contribution in the latter overs. He also touched upon bowling strategies and the need for improved fielding intensity.
“I think we found the wicket tricky in the first innings. I thought 190 was a good score; think we could have added 10-15 runs max. Their spinners bowled well (in the middle overs), good decision by them to bowl first. With the dew, batting got easier. Virat was playing well at the back end, with someone like Green coming in, you want to maximize those last overs. We tried to squeeze as hard as we can, but it was tricky to hit against the spinners. It was easier to hit the seamers,” du Plessis commented post-match.
“The pitch definitely got better, you could feel it, the ball was skidding along nicely. We were excellent in the first four overs. I think that 20 runs over (from Mayank Dagar) took the momentum away and shifted the pressure back on us. Fielding was average, it’s something we have spoken about, we’ll work and try to improve. Not worried about catches, it’s about showing intensity on the field,” the Proteas batter added.
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