Against Punjab, Kohli acted impatiently and batted as though the game were in six overs: Muhammad Kaif

After Virat Kohli, the talisman for the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), died early dancing down the wicket in the match against the Punjab Kings on Friday, April 18, former Indian cricketer Mohammad Kaif expressed his disappointment.

In a 14-over match cut short by rain, RCB was put into bat. Virat, understanding that he needed to attack from the first delivery, lasted just three balls, hitting a bouncer from Arshdeep Singh straight into Marco Jansen’s hands at mid-on. When Virat charged, the ball struck his splice and went straight up because to its quick bounce.

Kaif criticised Kohli’s impatience, saying that even in a rain-shortened match, he had enough of time on his hands.

“There comes time when an innings has 84 deliveries. Virat Kohli often does not step forward, try to hit a six, or make the shot that he did. “I can assure you that if it had been a 20-over match, Kohli would have tried to punch that ball,” Kaif stated on Star Sports, as quoted by News18.

It was intended for the ball to be punched through the point. However, the 14-over format made it tempting to play a far more aggressive style of cricket. The ball was halting somewhat, and the pitch was wet.

Not just Virat, but also the other hitters. He ought to have stayed in the middle for a while since 14 overs is a long period, and he must have assumed it was a six-over match,” Kaif continued.

IPL 2024 Orange Cap champion Kohli has had a difficult day in the Chinnaswamy, scoring 1, 22, and 7. He has, however, recorded scores of 62*, 67, 31, and 59* when playing away from home.