On the cricket pitch, Virat Kohli is known for his aggression, flamboyant celebrations, and violent send-offs. Kohli has a different side to him that isn't always visible, but it exists, even among the opposition.
On Thursday (May 19), the Royal Challengers Bangalore vs Gujarat Titans IPL 2022 match at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai showcased Kohli's diverse abilities. Kohli approached sad and irate GT batter Matthew Wade as he walked back to the pavilion following a contentious LBW ruling. It was unclear what he said, but the tone of his voice suggested it was about consoling.
After all, who knows the game of chance better than Kohli? Kohli, like Wade, has struggled for runs and has found himself on the wrong side of some dubious umpiring decisions.
Also Read: IPL 2022: Anushka Sharma reacts to Virat Kohli's match-winning 73 against GT
Kohli's attempts to calm Wade went viral on social media almost immediately.
Wade, on the other hand, was unconvinced by Kohli's words of comfort. Inside the locker room, the Australian left-hander expressed his rage. He was spotted tossing his helmet off and repeatedly slamming his bat.
Wade was reprimanded by the IPL for his outburst inside the GT dressing room after being given out LBW for 16 off Glenn Maxwell. According to the IPL Code of Conduct, the wicketkeeper-batter was found guilty of a Level 1 infraction.
Kohli, on the other hand, resurrected his form with a match-winning fifty. The former RCB skipper opened the batting with a fluent 73 off 54 balls as RCB knocked down the 169-run target with 8 wickets and 10 balls remaining. Kohli's second half-century of the tournament, was a relief as he has looked like a faint shell of his former glory.
"It was an important game. I was disappointed that I haven't done much for my team and that is what bothers me, not the stats. Today was a game where I was able to create an impact for the team. Puts us in a good position. There are expectations because of the performances that you have put in. You need to keep the perspective right. You can forget the process in order to live up to the expectations," said Kohli after the match.
