Virat Kohli, the top hitter for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), was removed off the bowling of Punjab Kings (PBKS) bowler Arshdeep Singh during the match between the two teams in Dharamsala on Thursday, May 9.
Arshdeep’s strategy was clear: bowl outside of the off-stump and make Virat Kohli fetch for his strokes. The former RCB captain attempted to hit a delivery over the covers but was unable to centre it, causing it to fly to the point zone.
Rilee Rossouw settled in comfortably and completed the catch, sending Virat Kohli back for 92 from 47 balls.
Here is a video of the dismissal.
Rossouw’s smile after completing the catch revealed how anxious he was, having previously dropped Kohli when the latter was on 10.
Virat Kohli Exploits PBKS’ Mistakes to Secure Victory in IPL 2024
Virat Kohli could have gone to the dressing room without bothering the scorers if PBKS had not committed errors on the field. Young Vidhwath Kaverappa had provoked a false shot from Kohli, but Ashutosh Sharma mishandled a high ball, allowing the star batsman to miss the mark.
Kohli got another chance against the same bowler after Rossouw dropped him at short covers. Following that, the star batsman hammered the Punjab bowlers. He made some spectacular shots and shown that he is maybe back to his ultimate best.
Rajat Patidar’s half-century (55 off 23) and Cameron Green’s cameo (46 off 27) meant that, despite Harshal Patel’s excellent last over, RCB posted a massive 241/7 in their 20 overs.
While it will be a difficult challenge, PBKS has previously chased down 262 earlier this season and will undoubtedly feel they can win.
