Former Indian off-spinner R Ashwin praised Virat Kohli for his knock against the Gujarat Titans despite the Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s eventual loss.
A pivotal moment in the game came when the second over of the match was taken for 21 runs by Kohli. The talismanic batter took Kagiso Rabada for five consecutive fours in his first over. Ashwin noted how Kohli was able to hit through point off the front foot, something he does not do as often.
“He hit fours on both sides of point. That was my favourite because Virat doesn’t hit there from the front foot. He opened the face of the bat while hitting,” Ashwin said on his YouTube channel.
Rabada, though, had the last laugh as in the next over, he dismissed Kohli off a short-pitched delivery, which prompted an RCB collapse. Jason Holder picked up 2/29 in his four overs, finishing with the Player of the Match award. Ashwin stated that despite Holder’s spell, the wicket of Kohli was the turning point in the game.
“The way Rabada came back, used the angle and got height on the bouncer, it completely changed the game. Holder’s spell was match-changing as well, but that particular wicket completely turned the game around,” he added.
Ashwin also stated that bowlers are always on the back foot when bowling to Virat Kohli, a psychological advantage he uses in his favour.
“Virat has played for so many years. So, obviously, a lot of the bowlers go on the back foot against him, even those who have played with him. Virat Kohli knows this too. The game is more about the mind than skill, and Virat is a little ahead in that,” he said.
RCB were bowled out for 155 in their innings. The Titans started their chase in fine fashion, with an 18-ball 43 from captain Shubman Gill. Jos Buttler scored a 19-ball 39 as the Titans lost their way in the chase, losing regular wickets. But they ended up getting to the total with four wickets in hand, with Rahul Tewatia remaining unbeaten on 27.
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