Amidst scrutiny surrounding his strike-rate, Kohli’s unwavering focus remains on fulfilling his responsibilities on the field.Will Jacks unleashed a breathtaking century, while Kohli showcased a masterclass in the middle overs as RCB crushed Gujarat Titans (GT), securing a comprehensive nine-wicket victory in the IPL encounter in Ahmedabad.
Kohli, unbeaten on 70 runs, silenced his critics by employing the sweep shot effectively against the spinners, showcasing his adaptability and determination.
“All people who talk about strike rates and me not playing spin well talk about these things [numbers]. It’s just about doing my job… It’s kind of a muscle memory for me now. We can’t carry on like we did in the first half. We are attacking the game way more. That’s the way we want to play our cricket. And it’s not been up to the standard except in the last two games… It’s about us as cricketers having some self-respect,” Kohli said after the match.
Meanwhile, Jacks stole the spotlight with an explosive unbeaten knock of 100 runs from just 41 balls, dismantling the 201-run target with an astonishing 24 balls to spare. Their stellar partnership epitomised RCB’s dominance, reaffirming their prowess in the tournament.
Kohli, who was well on the course of his 9th IPL century, termed Jacks’ innings ‘phenomenal’ as he made mockery of the GT bowling after hitting Mohit Sharma and Rashid Khan for 28 runs in successive overs to seal the deal.
“Phenomenal! When Jacks came in to bat, he couldn’t strike the ball like he wanted to. But we know how explosive he can be. But he went after Mohit, and my role changed. I was just happy to be at the other end. Towards the end of their innings, the wicket started settling a bit. The wicket settles down, and the ball comes on nicely. We never dropped below ten an over through the innings,” Kohli added.
With a steadfast dedication to his craft, Kohli emphasised on the importance of staying true to his role as a player and leader, regardless of external opinions. His commitment to excellence echoes his determination to contribute positively to the game, reaffirming his resilience in the face of scrutiny and unyielding dedication to the sport he embodies.