Former India batter Mohammad Kaif has praised Virat Kohli after the Royal Challengers Bengaluru star reached a major milestone in the IPL, moving his tally of sixes past the 300-mark. Kaif believes Kohli’s success in T20 cricket comes less from raw, natural power and more from constant adaptation—an approach he says has allowed the batting great to keep evolving with the demands of the modern game.
Kohli’s 300-plus IPL sixes and Kaif’s verdict
Kaif took to X to highlight how Kohli has built his hitting game over time rather than relying on a fixed style. He pointed to the significance of Kohli crossing 300 IPL maximums, while also drawing comparisons with other prominent hitters to underline the scale of the achievement. Kaif’s message was clear: Kohli’s biggest strength is his ability to adjust, step out of his comfort zone, and still find ways to score in different match situations.
That theme of evolution was on display again in RCB’s latest outing, where they registered a five-wicket victory over Gujarat Titans. Kohli played a composed innings of 81, while Devdutt Padikkal added 55, and together they set up a successful chase of 206.
RCB chase: how the partnership shaped the result
- RCB successfully chased a target of 206, reaching it in 18.5 overs to secure the win over Gujarat Titans.
- Kohli’s 81 and Padikkal’s 55 formed the backbone of the run chase, with the duo producing a 115-run stand.
- Padikkal’s approach stood out because he did not rely on slogging to get going; instead, he played in a free, controlled manner that allowed the partnership to build steadily.
- Kohli later explained that the intent was to keep pressure on the bowlers, using the clarity and feedback within the partnership to maintain momentum.
- RCB completed the chase without losing control of the target, ensuring Gujarat Titans were kept at bay even after a strong start had put the ball in their favour earlier in the match.
After the game, Kohli gave credit to Padikkal and described the difference he made in the opening phase of the chase. He said it was the second time Dev (Devdutt Padikkal) had come in and produced an innings that swung momentum, adding that Padikkal rarely looks like he is slogging, yet consistently finds freedom at the crease. Kohli also noted that his own focus was on staying in the contest after Padikkal set the tone, so that pressure would not shift onto the partnership.
Kohli further expanded on the tactical thinking behind the stand, stating that Padikkal was going well and the plan was to keep the bowlers under pressure. He highlighted that there was intent, clarity, and communication in the middle, and that the team had no doubts about how the partnership would unfold—factors he said ultimately worked in their favour.
RCB’s batting depth and the “hit the ball” message
Kohli also underlined the strength of RCB’s batting group, pointing to the variety of skills within the lineup. He referenced the presence of hitters such as Tim David and Shepherd for power, and Krunal for his cricketing smarts, suggesting the squad has the balance to attack in different ways. Kohli’s takeaway was simple: when the ball is there to be struck, RCB’s batters are encouraged to go for it, helped by the team’s depth across roles and styles.
He also spoke about the occasion of playing in front of the home crowd, saying the side was pleased to have competed in five matches at the venue and that fans were getting to see the team again. Kohli described the ground as a special place for cricket and expressed hope that RCB would return there later in the season.
Gujarat Titans set 205/3, but death-overs slowed the finish
Earlier in the contest, Sai Sudharsan anchored Gujarat Titans with a composed century that lifted the team to 205/3. However, a slowdown during the death overs kept the target within reach for RCB, allowing Kohli and Padikkal to take control of the chase and close out another confident victory for the Bengaluru franchise.
