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In Royal Challengers Bengaluru's (RCB) latest clash against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in Chennai, all eyes were on Virat Kohli as he walked out to bat. However, it was one of those days when the batting maestro struggled to find his rhythm.
"It was one of those days where no matter how hard you try, you just can't find the middle of the bat. Kohli kept connecting with the inner half, dragging the ball toward the leg side more often than not. He took a blow to the head, managed a couple of decent strokes--a six and a four--but eventually fell playing a lofted sweep to Noor at deep square leg. This wasn't the fluent knock we're accustomed to seeing from him, but such days are inevitable," JioStar expert Aakash Chopra summed it up on JioHotstar, "The bigger takeaway is how the team responded. Despite Virat scoring 31 off 30 balls, RCB still reached 196. That means in the remaining 15 overs, the rest of the team contributed 166 runs. This shift in mindset is crucial. Earlier, Kohli would dictate the pace, and others would play around him--often leaving the team 15 to 20 runs short. But now, even if he struggles, the rest of the lineup continues to attack. With batting depth and players in form, the approach has evolved," he added. Kohli's struggles at the crease were evident. His usually impeccable timing deserted him, forcing him to rely on nudges and pushes rather than authoritative strokes. Coming to the match, CSK won the toss and elected to bowl first. While Phil Salt (34 in 16 balls, with five fours and a six) powered RCB with some attacking shots in the start, Virat Kohli (31 in 30 balls, with two fours and a six) struggled to stamp his authority. After a 45-run opening stand, Devdutt Paddikal (27 in 14 balls, with two fours and two sixes) played an entertaining cameo and Rajat Patidar (51 in 32 balls, with four boundaries and three sixes) had some crucial partnerships. In the end, Tim David (22* in eight balls, with a four and three sixes) delivered a magnificent cameo), taking RCB to 196/7 in their 20 overs. Noor Ahmad (3/36) was the pick of the bowlers for CSK. Matheesha Pathirana (2/36) was also pretty solid with the ball. During the run-chase, RCB was sensational in controlling CSK batters, as Hazlewood (3/21) got Rahul Tripathi and skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad in his first over. Rachin Ravindra (41 in 31 balls, with five fours) tried to put up a fight, but Yash Dayal (2/18) and Liam Livingstone (2/28) made sure he did not get any support. MS Dhoni played a cameo of 30* in 16 balls, with three fours and two sixes. But RCB restricted CSK to 146/8.Patidar secured the 'Player of the Match' title. (ANI)
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