Virat Kohli brings out array of shots in nets ahead of RCB-GT clash
Bengaluru, April 22
Star Royal Challengers Bengaluru batter Virat Kohli looked in sublime touch during the nets session ahead of his side's Indian Premier League match against the Gujarat Titans on Friday in Bengaluru.
Classic looking drives, slog sweeps, lofted hits, all of these came out in their full glory as Virat's willow middled every ball really well, producing a sweet 'thud' sound that would serve as music to the ears of his fans and the 'King Kohli' himself, who is aiming to take on the bowlers from ball one this season, with the pressure of lifting the trophy finally off his shoulders.
Ahead of the match, Virat is just 92 runs away from becoming the first batter to reach 9,000 IPL runs. In 273 matches and 265 innings, he has made 8,908 runs at an average of 39.76, with a strike rate of 133.83, including eight centuries and 65 fifties.
In six innings this season, Virat has scored 247 runs at an average of 49.40 and a strike rate of 157.32, with two fifties and is the fourth-highest run-getter so far, with Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) hitter Abhishek Sharma (323 runs) holding the Orange Cap for most runs. Virat will have to produce a magical knock against GT to take back the prestigious cap from the Indian youngster.
Virat has a fine record against GT, having made 351 runs in six innings at an average of 87.75 and a strike rate of 143.26, including a century, three fifties and a best score of 101*.
— ANI
Reader Comments
His record against GT is insane - average of 87! He truly owns that bowling attack. As a long-time RCB fan, seeing him in this form gives me hope. Maybe, just maybe, this is the year. 🤞
First to 9000 IPL runs! What a monumental achievement that will be. He's a legend of the game. But let's not forget, cricket is a team sport. RCB's bowling needs to step up equally if we want to see that trophy finally come to Bengaluru.
The pressure of lifting the trophy is off his shoulders? I respectfully disagree. As the senior most player and icon of RCB, that pressure will always be there until they win. But his form is fantastic, no doubt.
Abhishek Sharma is having a dream season, but taking on King Kohli for the Orange Cap? That's a proper battle! Hope Virat plays a magical innings. The Chinnaswamy crowd is going to be electric. 🔥
The stats don't lie. A strike rate of 157 this season shows he's adapting perfectly to the modern T20 game. At his age, that evolution is remarkable. A masterclass in longevity and reinvention.
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