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Ashwin Hails "Bizarre" Kohli's Energy: "A Show of How Game Should Be Played"

Veteran spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has heaped praise on Virat Kohli's relentless energy and intent at the crease, describing his approach as positively "bizarre" for his age. Ashwin highlighted a specific instance where Kohli's eagerness for a second run exemplified his unmatched enthusiasm and commitment to playing the game the right way. Kohli's sublime 69 off 38 balls powered Royal Challengers Bengaluru to a commanding victory over Sunrisers Hyderabad in their IPL opener. During the innings, Kohli also became the first batter in IPL history to cross 4000 runs in chases.

Key Points: Ashwin on Kohli's "Bizarre" Batting Energy in IPL

  • Ashwin calls Kohli's energy "bizarre"
  • Kohli's intent sets example for playing hard
  • Kohli scored 69* in RCB's chase
  • Kohli surpasses 4000 IPL chase runs
2 min read

"He's putting on a show for people to see how game should be played": Ashwin on Virat Kohli's batting

R Ashwin praises Virat Kohli's intense approach, calling it a masterclass in how to play hard. Kohli's 69* guided RCB to a big win.

"He walks the talk. It's almost like he's putting on a show for people to see how the game should be played. - Ravichandran Ashwin"

New Delhi, March 29

Veteran spinner Ravichandran Ashwin spoke about the energy of India's and Royal Challengers Bengaluru batting icon Virat Kohli, who brings to his batting.

Ashwin praised Kohli's energy and intent at the crease, calling his approach "bizarre at this age" in a positive sense.

Ashwin highlighted Kohli's eagerness to take quick singles and attack even during comfortable partnerships, noting his ability to "walk the talk" and set an example of playing the game hard and the right way.

"I find him quite bizarre at this age. I tell him this during our chats now and then. He was batting on 40-odd, there was a partnership going on, and RCB were coasting. He ran through for the first single, stopped there, and the other batter hadn't even reached halfway, but he was already looking for a second. That was a 57-metre boundary on the leg side, and it shows the enthusiasm he still brings to the game. He walks the talk. It's almost like he's putting on a show for people to see how the game should be played, play it hard and play it the way it's meant to be played. That stood out to me with respect to what Virat did. And if this is the way RCB are going to bat, Virat just needs to bat the full 20 overs," Ashwin said on JioHotstar.

Playing his first T20 since the IPL 2025 final, Kohli guided RCB to a big win in the IPL opener against Sunrisers Hyderabad on Saturday.

RCB's chase began with a couple of boundaries in the first over off the bat of Phil Salt, but he fell early, in the very next over, for eight runs. Kohli slammed 69 off 38 balls, laced with five fours and five sixes, helping RCB gun down 202 in 15.2 overs.

Kohli looked in sublime touch from the first ball. He anchored the innings with a brilliant 69 off 38 deliveries, including five sixes. Kohli also became the first batter in IPL history to cross 4000 runs in chases.

Kohli also surpassed former Pakistan batter Shoaib Malik to become the sixth-highest run-getter in T20 cricket. Malik has made 13571 runs in T20 557 matches and 515 innings. The former cricketer had an average of 35.99, including 83 half-centuries in the shortest format.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
As a relatively new cricket fan from abroad, this kind of analysis is fascinating. You can see the passion, but Ashwin explaining the *why* behind it—that he's showing how the game "should" be played—adds so much context. It's not just about winning, it's about the spirit.
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Priyanka N
Absolutely love this! In an era of just power-hitting, Virat reminds everyone that fitness, running between wickets, and pure intent are just as crucial. Youngsters in gully cricket and academies should watch this. This is the real "role model" behavior. 🏏
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Rahul R
Respectfully, while the intent is great, I hope this doesn't become a template where he feels he has to bat through 20 overs every time. Sometimes the team needs a quicker acceleration. But you can't argue with the results yesterday. 69 off 38 was a perfect knock.
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Aman W
The stats speak for themselves - 4000 runs in chases! That's mental toughness. Ashwin calling it "bizarre" is the biggest compliment. It's not normal to have this hunger after achieving everything. This is why he's a legend. Hope RCB finally lifts the trophy this year!
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Kavya N
As an RCB fan, seeing this kind of start is a relief! But more than the runs, it's the body language. After last season's disappointment, we needed this spark. If the whole team adopts even 50% of this energy, we are in for a great season. #PlayBold

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