Virat Kohli (Image credit: X)
New Delhi: Virat Kohli looked in ominous form at the Wankhede Stadium, anchoring Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s batting efforts with composure and control. He rotated the strike smartly and allowed Phil Salt – who was in devastating form – to dominate the bowling.
Salt’s powerful batting, combined with half-centuries from skipper Rajat Patidar and Kohli, and a late flourish from Tim David, boosted RCB to 240/4 against Mumbai Indians.Salt smashed 78 off 36 balls, sharing a 120-run opening stand with Kohli, who made 50 off 38 deliveries. Patidar then kept the momentum going with a 20-ball 53, adding 65 runs with Kohli, before David provided an unbeaten 34 off 16 balls for the finishing touch.
In reply, Mumbai Indians managed 222/5, falling behind despite a promising start. RCB’s Suyash Sharma struck the decisive blow with a double in the eighth over, halting the chase at a crucial stage.However, one of the most talked about moments came after Kohli’s dismissal. After hitting his second fifty of the season, Kohli was removed by Hardik Pandya.
When he returned to the pavilion, the usually batsman was visibly angry. In a moment that went viral, Kohli expressed his frustration by throwing his helmet and gloves, reflecting his thirst for a bigger score despite a strong contribution.RCB, the defending champions, have played four matches so far this season, winning three and losing one.With this win, RCB has risen to third place in the points table and will next face Lucknow Super Giants on April 15.