Royal Challengers Bangalore star batter Virat Kohli (100) has given it back to the detractors doubting his ability as a T20 format player, after smashing his first century in the ongoing 16th edition of the Indian Premier League.
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Often criticized for not operating at an ideal strike rate as per modern T20 standards, Kohli began his innings tonight with back-to-back fours off Bhuvneshwar Kumar and there was no looking back thereafter.
He surpassed the three-figure mark for the sixth time in his IPL career, and thereby equaled the record for most centuries in the tournament history alongside Chris Gayle.
It was this particular stat which Kohli subtly referred to, for the ones doubting his credentials as a shortest format batter.
Virat Kohli Gives Back to Naysayers Doubting His Credentials as T20 Batter
Post receiving the ‘Player of the Match’ award for his 63-ball 100, Kohli, during an interaction with Star Sports, confidently wore the ‘at your face’ look for the ones not really considering him as an IPL player.
The star Indian batter even admitted taking too much stress and not giving himself enough credit for the fact that only a couple of batters have scored six IPL centuries in the sixteen years of the league’s existence.
He further stressed on his need and reasons for not playing those ‘fancy shots’ and thereby throwing his wicket away in the process, even in this format.
“Was telling the boys – the way I’m looked at as an IPL player as well is like ‘yeah, he’s fine, few impact knocks’. It’s my 6th IPL hundred. I don’t give myself enough credit sometimes because I put myself under so much stress already. I don’t care what anyone says on the outside. That’s their opinion.
For me it’s not about playing fancy shots and throwing my wicket away. We’ve got Test cricket (coming up) after the IPL, have to stay true to my technique.”
RCB one win away from sealing IPL 2023 playoffs berth
The win tonight in Hyderabad has placed RCB at the fourth spot in the points table. They will yet again play a potential do-or-die match on May 21, against the Gujarat Titans, in order to advance through to the playoffs.
However, a loss might yet again elongate their dream for a maiden IPL title. Read more on their qualification scenario, by clicking here.
