Virat Kohli, arguably India’s greatest all-format batter, has been going through a lean patch for quite some time. In Royal Challengers Bangalore's (RCB) recent clash against Punjab Kings (PBKS) at the Brabourne Stadium on Friday (May 13), he was looking in good touch before getting dismissed for 14-ball 20.
The flamboyant batter has managed 236 runs in 13 outings at 19.67 apiece but the franchise’s coach Mike Hesson is certain that he is not underperforming due to a technical issue and that a big knock is on the way.
“It is not a technical thing. He looked in really good touch today. He was unfortunate.” Hesson, 47, said after the RCB v PBKS clash.
“I thought we were going to see something special. Virat is as frustrated as anyone but we know that the epic one is around the corner.”
“We have got a huge game coming up. So there is no reason why it won’t be in a few days’ time,” he added.
The Kings, on the back of sensational batting by Jonny Bairstow (66 off 29 balls) and Liam Livingstone (70 off 42 balls) posted a mammoth total of 209/9. In reply, the Royal Challengers could only manage 155 in 20 overs. Kagiso Rabada was the pick of the bowlers for Punjab, returning with the match-winning figures of 3/21 in his 4 overs.
SEE ALSO: WATCH – Virat Kohli’s heartbreaking reaction after his dismissal on 20 against PBKS
The Faf du Plessis-led team occupies the fourth spot on the points table and will face Gujarat Titans in their final league encounter on Thursday (May 19).
In what could be a must-win match for the Bangalore-based franchise, the onus will be on Kohli to deliver.
“He looked in good touch, he was aggressive, and he is doing everything off the park as well in terms of making sure he prepares well. I thought today was going to be his day but once again…” said the RCB coach.
Adversity can help people see the brighter side of life, and that's exactly what Virat Kohli is doing right now while trying to figure out why he's being dismissed in every imaginable way this IPL, according to RCB captain Faf du Plessis.
“He (Kohli) is seeing the lighter side of it, every single way that you can possibly get out is happening to him. That’s how the game works,” Du Plessis said after the match.
(THE INDIAN EXPRESS INPUTS)
