Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) were off to a positive start with a win against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in their opening game of Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020. However, the criticism hit hard on Virat Kohli's captaincy after their big defeat to Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) by a hefty margin of 97 runs.
All-rounder Shivam Dube had picked 2 wickets in his first 2 overs and was thrust upon the responsibility of bowling the final over of the innings when the KXIP skipper KL Rahul was batting on 116 off 66 deliveries. Rahul (16) and Karun Nair (7) joined forces and added 23 runs in the final over.
IPL 2020: "I have to take the brunt of it," says Kohli for dropping Rahul twice in RCB's heavy loss
Former Indian cricketer Ajit Agarkar was miffed with Kohli for giving Dube the final over and wanted a senior bowler to be given such a responsibility. He further supported his criticism that a senior bowler would've dealt better against a batsman who had already gotten his century and looked in blazing form.
Agarkar said on an ESPNCricInfo show, "I understand Dube had a couple of decent overs. But when you come into the last over, when one batsman is set and batting at 100+, you would want your main bowler to come and bowl. Particularly, in the last over, because in T20 cricket, a couple of deliveries could make a huge difference."
RCB sprung up a surprise and slotted wicket-keeper Josh Philippe at No. 3 and skipper Kohli batted down at No. 4. Agarkar opined that the Indian captain should never bat below the No. 3 spot and he would've opened if they didn't have Aaron Finch in the side.
He said, "Even though they were never even in the chase because they had lost too many wickets. And that is the other thing. Virat Kohli should never bat lower than No. 3. Yes, because they have Aaron Finch so he is not opening. But he just cannot bat lower than No. 3."
IPL 2020: WATCH- Virat Kohli drops KL Rahul twice during his 132*; gets roasted by Twitterverse
"These are the games in which he takes extra responsibility or rises to the occasion. He likes to get in the game. I was a little surprised he did not come to bat at no. 3. Not great decision making on the day," the 42-year-old added.
(With inputs from Hindustan Times)
