Image Source: IANS
[Saba Sports News] In the recent IPL matches, Virat Kohli has increased his strike rate against spinners to 167.7, partly due to his effective use of the slogsweep. In a game against Punjab Kings, he scored rapidly, notching up 23 runs off 13 balls from spinners. Kohli explained his approach, saying, “I brought out the slogsweep to the spinners. I didn’t practice it, but I know I can hit it well from past experience. I felt I needed to take more risks, and using that shot regularly in the past helps me now to play off the backfoot and exploit the leg side.”
Kohli also spoke about overcoming the fear of getting out: “It takes more conviction to dismiss the thought of ‘what if you get out?’ I’ve managed to stay ahead of that thought in this IPL, which has helped maintain a high strike rate through the middle overs and keep the scoring rate up for the team.”
The Punjab Kings’ failure to capitalize on dropped catches did not help their cause, as Kohli and Rajat Patidar, who also benefited from the missed opportunities, built significant partnerships that propelled Royal Challengers Bangalore to a strong position, posting a formidable total of 241/7. Kohli’s teammate Green commented on the impact of the drops, “Having Virat in the team is crucial; he capitalizes on such chances, playing the aggressive cricket we know.”
Brad Haddin, PBKS’s assistant coach, acknowledged that the dropped catches were pivotal, lamenting, “Dropping their key batsmen early was where we lost the game. It wasn’t much about batting or bowling differences but those missed catches that cost us.”
Kohli also reflected on the team’s broader challenges, emphasizing the need for resilience and self-respect. “We discussed the need to be braver and not just play for the league table but for our pride as cricketers,” he stated, underscoring the importance of playing passionately for the team and its supporters.