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In his latest appearance in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024, Virat Kohli, the luminary of the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), further solidified his supremacy with a dazzling performance against the Punjab Kings (PBKS) in Match 58 on Friday (May 9). Kohli’s exceptional innings, embellished with a breathtaking display of skill and precision, exerted immense pressure on the PBKS team, exposing their vulnerabilities on the field. His sublime knock of 92 runs off just 47 deliveries, showcased at the magnificent setting of Dharamsala, was a testament to his unrivaled talent and unwavering determination.
Early challenges and lifelines
Kohli’s innings, however, didn’t commence on the most auspicious note, as he encountered early challenges against the PBKS. Twice within the early stages of his innings, Kohli found himself offered lifelines by the opposition. The first reprieve came when Ashutosh Sharma failed to grasp a catch after Kohli skied a delivery from debutant Vidhwath Kaverappa. Shortly after, Kohli survived another scare as Rilee Rossouw nearly pulled off a spectacular catch off Kaverappa’s bowling.
Shift in momentum: Powerplay onslaught
Following his initial setbacks, Kohli swiftly shifted gears, capitalizing on the powerplay by unleashing an onslaught against PBKS’ bowling attack. His assault began with a boundary off Sam Curran‘s bowling in the fourth over, signaling his intent to seize control of the proceedings. Despite losing partners such as Faf du Plessis and Will Jacks, Kohli persevered until he found an ideal ally in Rajat Patidar. Patidar, despite surviving an early catch scare, complemented Kohli’s aggression with his own devastating stroke play, propelling the RCB’s score past the 100 runs mark within nine overs. Patidar’s blistering fifty off just 21 balls further bolstered the team’s total before his departure, leaving a significant impact on the match.
Also READ:IPL 2024, PBKS vs RCB: Reason why Kagiso Rabada and Glenn Maxwell are not playing today’s game
Partnership dynamics
As the partnership flourished, Kohli’s momentum encountered a temporary disruption due to rain and hailstorms, halting the game after the completion of ten overs with the score standing at 119/3. Resuming play alongside Cameron Green, Kohli gradually regained his rhythm, punctuating his innings with two consecutive boundaries against Liam Livingstone. The Indian stalwart then unleashed a flurry of boundaries and sixes, captivating the crowd with his exquisite stroke play. His sublime batting display, exemplified by a majestic two sixes off Curran’s bowling, reignited the atmosphere in the stadium.
Virat Kohli’s dominance and a century miss
Kohli’s batting prowess was particularly pronounced on the leg-side, a domain where he exhibited sheer dominance against the bowling onslaught of Curran. Despite Curran’s best efforts, Kohli’s relentless assault persisted, driving home the advantage with boundaries and sixes that left the bowler reeling. With his sights set on a century, Kohli seemed destined for cricketing immortality as he dispatched deliveries from Arshdeep Singh for a boundary and a six. Nevertheless, fate had other plans, as his innings culminated at 92 runs when Rossouw clung on to a crucial catch, denying Kohli the milestone he so fervently pursued.
Contributions to RCB’s score against PBKS in the IPL 2024
Nevertheless, Kohli’s contribution proved monumental as RCB effortlessly breached the 200 runs mark, propelled by his seven boundaries and six towering sixes. Green’s valiant knock of 46 runs further complemented Kohli’s heroics, propelling RCB to a competitive score of 241/7 in their allotted 20 overs, thereby fortifying their quest for supremacy in the tournament.
Record-breaking performance
In addition to his on-field exploits, Kohli etched his name in the annals of IPL history by becoming the first player to amass over 600 runs in this season, amassing a staggering total of 634 runs from his 12 outings. This remarkable feat not only underscored Kohli’s unparalleled consistency but also elevated him to a league of his own, as he equaled KL Rahul‘s record of surpassing the 600 runs mark for the fourth time in IPL history.
Also READ: IPL 2024 playoffs qualification scenarios for LSG after heavy defeat against SRH
Here’s how Twitter reacted:
King Kohli couldn’t get his 100 but he’s in sublime form!!
— Robin Aiyuda Uthappa (@robbieuthappa) May 9, 2024
Virat Kohli👏
— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) May 9, 2024
Another 600+ season. Kohli’s form is the best news for India before the #T20WorldCup2024.
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) May 9, 2024
Great knock by Virat Kohli. Hopefully now he realises that he has answered everyone and calms down in the CSK game.
— Silly Point (@FarziCricketer) May 9, 2024
Kohli is the greatest batter of this generation & it shouldn’t even be up for debate. He always has that hunger to succeed & always makes adjustments when there is criticism & keeps striving to do better. It’s unbelievable that someone this good gets slandered.
— TakeADeepBreath (@DeepTake) May 9, 2024
Virat Kohli’s innings is an illustration of modern T20 cricket. He is 92(47) and the old way would have been to play for a 100. But in T20 cricket, 100 isn’t a landmark, it isn’t something that should hold you up. So he goes for the big shot, gets caught, but he’s played his…
— Archer (@poserarcher) May 9, 2024
King Kohli you beauty, watching you hitting those fours and sixes is absolute cinema pic.twitter.com/Rlfa0H40Iq
— Shubh (@kadaipaneeeer) May 9, 2024
Nothing is more attractive, powerful and intimidating in the world when Kohli uses his bottom hand. Nothing….
— Prithvi (@Puneite_) May 9, 2024
Leave all the technique , skillset . It’s not my cup of tea. But the amount of joy and happiness Kohli is giving to us since past 12-14 years is just insane.
Still I get same excitement when he comes to bat , i still shout when he scores a six. Thank you for existing @imVkohli ❤️— Kohlified. (@123perthclassic) May 9, 2024
Virat Kohli isn’t batting, he’s on a magic show with a little willow in his hands
— arfan (@Im__Arfan) May 9, 2024
👑 reigns supreme!
Well played, Virat! 👏#PBKSvRCB pic.twitter.com/Jc3v9tp1Wa
— Punjab Kings (@PunjabKingsIPL) May 9, 2024
Virat Kohli’s splendid knock comes to an end.#viratkohli #ipl2024 #PBKSvRCB #CricketTwitter pic.twitter.com/QvVdVqRVY0
— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) May 9, 2024
92 runs
195 strike rate
Overall innings, priceless 🙇♂️#PlayBold #ನಮ್ಮRCB #IPL2024 #PBKSvRCB @imVkohli pic.twitter.com/IC5cLlm6rZ— Royal Challengers Bengaluru (@RCBTweets) May 9, 2024