Ambati Rayudu praises Virat Kohli for his “selfless” criticism of RR, calling it “one of the finest hundreds of his career.”

Following his 67-ball century during Saturday’s IPL 2024 match between Rajasthan Royals (RR) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru at Sawai Mansingh Stadium, former skipper Virat Kohli came under fire.

Kohli’s century was the slowest in league history, despite his undefeated 113 off 72 balls and strike rate of 156.94. Commenting on Kohli’s performance, former Indian cricketer Ambati Rayudu said that although the star batsman could have increased his strike rate by going for boundaries, doing so may have put him at risk of losing his wicket.

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In a statement, Rayudu called Kohli’s innings “one of his finest hundreds” and commended his unselfish play for the good of the team. With his century leading RCB to 183/3 in 20 overs, Rayudu highlighted Kohli’s vital position as Bengaluru’s lone warrior. Jos Buttler’s flawless century from 58 balls, however, helped RR win by six wickets.

“In my opinion, it is among his best hundreds to date. He gave his all while playing; he represented the team. While attempting to get fours and sixes, he had the option to get out, but he fulfilled the team’s needs,” Rayudu told Star Sports.

The performance of the remaining hitters is the issue, not Virat’s strike rate. Ambati Rayudu

The RCB’s batting performance has been dismal overall, despite Kohli’s outstanding success this season. In addition to highlighting tactical blunders like failing to promote Dinesh Karthik early in the batting order against RR, Rayudu emphasized the necessity for other batsmen to step up and help Kohli.

“The performance of the other hitters is the issue, not Virat’s strike rate. They are doing more than just giving. For what reason was Dinesh Karthik occupying the dugout? He ought to have arrived ahead of Maxwell and Green. He went on, “Mahitipal Lomror, who was instrumental in their lone victory, isn’t even in the starting lineup.

With just one victory in five games and a lingering eighth-place ranking on the points table, RCB’s loss against RR was their fourth loss of the 2024 Indian Premier League.