‘Virat Kohli made a mistake in…’: Virender Sehwag’s blunt take on ‘slowest century’ of IPL history

As the IPL 2024 season progresses, concerns regarding the over-reliance of the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) on captain Virat Kohli’s batting prowess have come to the forefront. Despite Kohli’s remarkable century against the Rajasthan Royals (RR), critics have raised questions about the team’s overall batting strategy and the lack of support for their star batter.

Kohli’s Century and Sehwag’s Critique:

Virat Kohli’s unbeaten century, his 8th in IPL history, was undoubtedly a standout performance in the match against RR at the Sawai Man Singh Stadium in Jaipur. However, veteran opener Virender Sehwag pointed out that Kohli’s century came at a relatively slow pace, with his strike rate being criticized as one of the joint slowest in IPL history.

Sehwag emphasized that while Kohli’s knock was commendable, the lack of support from other RCB batters placed undue pressure on him. He highlighted the need for Kohli to accelerate his scoring rate after reaching his half-century, especially considering the role of big-hitters like Glenn Maxwell and Dan Christian in the team’s lineup.

RCB’s Over-Reliance on Kohli:

Sehwag’s analysis underscores the broader issue of RCB’s over-dependence on Kohli to anchor their batting innings. With other batters failing to deliver consistently, the burden falls heavily on Kohli’s shoulders to single-handedly carry the team’s batting unit.

Mohammed Shami, the star pacer who is sidelined from IPL 2024 due to an ankle injury, echoed Sehwag’s sentiments, questioning RCB’s batting lineup and emphasizing the need for other batters to step up and support Kohli.

The Way Forward for RCB:

As RCB strives to rectify their batting woes, it becomes imperative for the team management to address the issue of batting depth and resilience in their lineup. While Kohli’s presence at the crease provides stability, a balanced contribution from other batters is essential to alleviate the pressure on him and ensure consistent performances throughout the season.

RCB must devise strategies to nurture and empower their middle-order batters, encouraging them to take responsibility and deliver impactful performances. This approach will not only enhance the team’s overall batting strength but also alleviate the burden on Kohli, allowing him to play his natural game without undue pressure.

In the coming matches, RCB’s ability to address these concerns and establish a more cohesive batting unit will be crucial in their quest for success in IPL 2024.