Even though he smacked a six and a four, Virat Kohli’s lack of fluidity was noticed by former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra. His aggressive approach enabled the team post 196 despite his laborious 31 off 30 balls, even though the opener often controls the game.
The Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) won their opening two games to get off to a strong start in the 2025 Indian Premier League. Rajat Patidar led RCB to a decisive victory over Chennai Super Kings (CSK) at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chepauk, by a margin of 50 runs.
It was one of those days when hitting the middle of the bat is impossible no matter how hard you try. Kohli continued to make contact with the inner half, drawing the ball more often towards the leg side. He took a hit to the head, played a few of good shots, including a six and a four, then fell to Noor at deep square leg after a lofted sweep. His knock wasn’t as fluid as we’re used to, but these kinds of days are unavoidable. Chopra stated on JioHotstar’s Match Centre live that the team’s response was the more important lesson.
RCB managed to reach 196 despite Virat Kohli hitting 31 from 30 balls. Thus, the remainder of the team scored 166 runs in the final 15 overs.
This mental change is important. The squad would frequently fall 15 to 20 runs short since Kohli used to set the pace and others would play around him.
But now, the rest of the lineup attacks even if he has trouble. The strategy has changed as players are in form and batting depth has increased.
Calling MS Dhoni the fastest player in the game, Chopra lauded his superb wicketkeeping. Captain Cool’s distinctive approach, in which his hands only move towards the stumps, defies standard fielding logic, was emphasised by the cricket player-turned-commentator. The right-handed batter claims that nobody else can perform stumpings with such accuracy.
“He’s just incredible.” The phrase “fast, faster, MS Dhoni” is often used to describe the fastest hands in the game. He performs something really unique, which is why we always advise, “Don’t try this at home.” To absorb impact, the hands while fielding instinctively go rearward after receiving the ball. Otherwise, because the hands are so hard, the ball pours out. Dhoni, however, contradicts this belief. Only in the direction of the stumps do his hands move. Only one player in the world, MS Dhoni, is capable to performing that type of stumping with such accuracy,” he continued.
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