Virat Kohli, the star batter, finally regained his run-scoring form in the ongoing IPL 2022 season, scoring his first half-century for Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), although in a losing cause.
Kohli struck 58 off 53 balls to help Royal Challengers Bangalore reach 170 for six against Gujarat Titans (GT) after a succession of low scores, including two golden ducks.
However, the IPL 2022 newcomers surpassed the score as David Miller (39*) and Rahul Tewatia (43*) put on an unbeaten 79-run partnership at Mumbai's Brabourne Stadium.
Kohli's performance drew mixed reviews. Some praised the 33-year-old batter for his return to form, but others questioned his strike rate. And it's understandable, given that Kohli's fifty wasn't enough to propel his team to victory.
Kohli would be "furious" if his runs didn't help his team win the game, according to former England captain Kevin Pietersen.
Pietersen compared the Indian to football superstar Cristiano Ronaldo, emphasizing how both players had significant brand value and how they love winning to keep their values soaring.
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"What he needs to do is to have a look at Manchester United and Cristiano Ronaldo. Two similar brands in their different teams and in their sports. You have Virat Kohli right at the top of cricket, his brand is right at the top of cricket. Cristiano Ronaldo is right at the top of football. One plays for Manchester United, and one plays for RCB and India. Those are big brands and they are going to be talking points. Those big brands also want to maintain their status in the game by winning," Pietersen said on Star Sports.
"Virat Kohli's greatest attribute, how many games he has won for India while chasing. Virat Kohli is my greatest batter in this country because he has won so many games for India chasing. That is something you look at, that is something he cherishes and is so proud of.
"This knock yesterday, he would be looking and thinking some beautiful shots, absolutely fantastic shots and I felt good. But I know he is a champion, he is a winner and I know that he would be fuming that those weren't enough for the win," he further stated.
Kohli has 186 runs in ten games for an average of 20.67 in IPL 2022. When Royal Challengers Bangalore and Chennai Super Kings meet on Wednesday, the mercurial batter will be looking for another massive score.
