Picture Credit: BCCI/IPL
In an exclusive series on JioHotstar called ‘Power Play’, TATA IPL experts AB de Villiers, Shane Watson, Graeme Smith, Scott Styris, Aakash Chopra and others shared their thoughts on RCB’s performance last season and Virat Kohli’s batting approach during TATA IPL 2024.
Speaking exclusively on JioHotstar and sharing their views on Virat Kohli's strike rate in IPL 2024, Graeme Smith, “The criticism surrounding Virat’s strike rate last season was completely unfair. He had single-handedly carried RCB’s batting line-up, which is a massive responsibility, especially when others around him weren’t delivering.” Former RCB cricketer and one of the greats of the game, AB de Villiers added, “The scrutiny over Virat’s strike rate was absolutely ridiculous. He had done exactly what his team needed from him. It’s all about the situation. When he has someone at the other end he trusts, you see him experiment and play with more freedom. But when that’s not the case, he stays true to his natural game—anchoring the innings when needed.”
Scott Styris also spoke at length adding, “Kohli’s strike rate was never an issue during the power-play. The challenge came after that, where he needed to shift gears and be more aggressive.” Whereas, Shane Watson said, “He knew that if he doesn’t increase his scoring rate, if he doesn’t allow himself more freedom at the crease instead of playing it safe, he risks being left behind in the modern T20 game.”
Even at this stage of his career, he is still evolving—adapting, improvising, and pushing his limits: Aakash Chopra on Virat Kohli
Speaking exclusively on JioHotstar, the panel also shared their views on RCB's management. Venkatesh Prasad said, “How a team is managed makes all the difference. Other teams are putting faith in local talent, so why isn’t RCB doing the same? Are they building a brand, or are they truly focused on winning the IPL? They need to get the best out of their players, which hasn’t happened so far.”
Coming back to Virat Kohli's evolution, Aakash Chopra said, “Even at this stage of his career, he is still evolving—adapting, improvising, and pushing his limits. That’s what champions do.” Former RCB coach Mike Hesson also opined, “He’s now added the slog sweep during the middle overs, recognizing the need to accelerate and not just rely on rotating the strike.”
AB de Villiers said, “It’s great to see him stepping out of his comfort zone, trying new shots, and exploring different aspects of his game. He’s always had that ability in him. You can see how much it means to him. Winning the IPL with RCB would be the perfect finishing touch to his already phenomenal career. He was outstanding last season. His strike rate wasn’t the problem—he played exactly the role his team needed him to. Unlike someone like Fraser McGurk for Delhi Capitals, Virat had the responsibility of holding the innings together. He deserves full credit for playing a crucial role in RCB’s qualification.”
Former India and CSK player, Robin Uthappa also said, “For someone like Virat, growth is a natural part of his journey. It was never a question of ‘if’ but ‘when’ he would integrate shots like the slog sweep into his game.”
(With Inputs from Press Release)
