Image Credit- AP
In the IPL 2024, it
took ten games for the opposing team to win. Even yet, it was perhaps expected
that it would occur in the M Chinnaswamy Stadium, where the short pitch
actually works to the chasing team’s advantage. That was on Friday, when the
Kolkata Knight Riders triumphed against a masterpiece from Virat Kohli to chase
down 183 and take the two points.
Despite Kohli’s repeated insistence that he has nothing to prove, it appears
that there has been discussion on his T20 cricket batting style. Kohli made
this statement after the conclusion of RCB’s most recent game.
Talk from the outside usually doesn’t agitate cricketers. Even though it’s
difficult, people spend their entire lives ignoring that since it’s white
noise.
According to Kohli,
there seems to be some inside input from the Indian squad regarding how they
want him to conduct himself. His performance in this IPL has shown a shift in
his style of play. This IPL has evolved into somewhat of a showcase for players
vying to qualify for the T20 World Cup in June.
A limited-overs run machine who sets out to play the entire innings, a formerly
risk-averse batsman is now willing to accept a lower price for his wicket. And
he’s been hitting the ball in the air far more often than he used to do it.
It’s no secret that
Kohli is one of the fastest bowlers in the game of cricket. With three fours
and two sixes, he tormented Mitchell Starc for 33 in just 17 deliveries. It
became clear that he was displaying the same level of intent while facing slow
bowlers. After hitting Narine for just one six in 106 deliveries during the
whole IPL, on Friday, Kohli struck the mystery spinner out of the Chinnaswamy
with the fifth delivery.
In recent years,
there had been issues with KKR’s opening partnership. But they used it to win
this match. In addition to the field limitations, they had to reach a large
portion of their objective inside the first six overs because that is when the
ball is fresh and hard and hits the bat. As it grew softer and older, going
into the wicket and taking pace off became incredibly beneficial, as
demonstrated by RCB’s innings thus far. It worked well for Andre Russell (2-29)
and Harshit Rana (2-39).
KKR’s strategy
remains the same regardless of the venue they play in, though, as they
consistently deploy Sunil Narine at the top, allowing him to play those 30 off
10 cameos. On his 500th T20, he exceeded expectations by making 47 off of 22.
Phil Salt also caused a lot of harm. It was very nearly his last IPL season.
KKR finished the powerplay with an 85 for 0. With 100% of their wickets still
in hand, they had already eliminated nearly 50% of their goal in just 30% of
the overs.
Venkatesh Iyer raised a half-century on that platform, and Shreyas Iyer made
sure he stayed there till the very end, which arrived as early as the 17th
over.