Aakash Chopra Questions Kohli’s Tempo as RCB Win Despite Slow Knock

Even with Royal Challengers Bengaluru collecting a commanding 240 in their innings, Virat Kohli’s contribution has come under scrutiny. The RCB stalwart has put together 179 runs so far at an average just shy of 60, striking at roughly 163, but former India batter Aakash Chopra felt Kohli’s knock versus Mumbai Indians lacked the tempo expected in modern T20 cricket.

Kohli’s pace questioned after RCB’s big total

1. RCB posted a huge team score of 240 runs, setting up a match where Kohli’s role was expected to be more forceful.
2. On the day, Kohli was dismissed for 50 off 38 balls against MI, a dismissal that followed a knock which Chopra described as “very slow.”
3. Chopra argued that while the result may have justified the innings, the manner of scoring did not fit the standards of top-level T20 batting.
4. He added that Kohli looked to be trying to adjust but couldn’t get going, suggesting that Kohli may have been mentally off the mark.
5. Chopra specifically pointed out that Kohli wasted two reviews on wide deliveries, using it as an example of distraction.
6. Chopra also mentioned that Kohli was carrying an injury, implying that physical factors could have contributed to the slower rhythm.

In his comments, Chopra said Kohli actually made only slow runs and that, through the cricketing lens, it was not the sort of innings that suits “this contest” or the player’s usual standards. He emphasized that Kohli was attempting to make things work, but the execution never fully arrived, and the review missteps reflected something about mindset more than just batting technique.

Salt’s start and Patidar’s surge win Chopra’s praise

While Kohli’s strike rate drew criticism, Chopra was far more impressed by the impact RCB’s openers and captain made at the top. He highlighted how Phil Salt delivered a proper T20 assault, which he believes is precisely what the format—especially the IPL—demands.

1. Chopra singled out Salt’s early dominance, noting the opener made 78 runs from only 36 balls.
2. He said a quick start was essential, and that the opening stand exceeded 100 runs.
3. Chopra praised Salt’s attacking style, explaining that once the batting set in, Salt’s momentum did not fade.
4. He also referenced a conversation about whether Jacob Bethell could be included, saying the response he received suggested Salt was “there” and ready to take responsibility.

Chopra then turned his attention to RCB captain Rajat Patidar, crediting him for a standout display against MI. Patidar, according to Chopra, punished the bowling across the ground, scoring 53 off just 20 deliveries—an output Chopra felt could strengthen his case for a return to the India squad.

1. Chopra pointed out Patidar’s six-hitting numbers, saying he struck 14 maximums over the previous year.
2. He then underlined the current pace, claiming Patidar had already reached 18 sixes.
3. Chopra added that Patidar smashed 10 sixes in his first 10 balls faced, calling the acceleration “monstrous.”
4. He remarked that only four innings had taken place, yet the six count early in those appearances was already extremely high.
5. Chopra noted that Patidar has begun hitting from the outset, regardless of whether the ball is spin or pace.
6. He recalled that even when spinners were employed against Patidar during the match, Patidar still went after them.
7. Chopra referenced Patidar’s three sixes against Mayank Markande as evidence of the same destructive intent.
8. He concluded that Patidar is captaining well and batting at a high level, suggesting that at some stage he will make his way back into the national team.