Virat Kohli, the standout batsman for both Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and India, had a forgettable start to the 2024 Indian Premier League after being bowled for just 21(20) in the opening game against the Chennai Super Kings. Ajinkya Rahane made an incredible catch on the boundary as Kohli eventually holed out to deep mid-wicket, failing to get off to a good start in his innings.
Fans were drawn in by Kohli’s forceful farewell to CSK opener Rachin Ravindra, more so than by his lacklustre batting performances. Notably, CSK got off to an incredible start in the chase when Ravindra struck three fours and three rapid sixes in his innings to play a quick-fire knock of 37 (15). Karn Sharma finally got rid of him, catching him at deep square leg.
Netizens angry at Virat Kohli:
The supporters took issue with Kohli’s angry send-off to the 24-year-old after his removal, as they felt that the batting virtuoso had offended them.
In the meantime, RCB began their IPL 2024 campaign with a defeat, falling short of their first match by six wickets. The Faf du Plessis-led team chose to bat first and got off to a fast start, hitting 41 runs off of the first 27 balls. But they had a disastrous collapse in the middle overs, and Mustafizur Rahman’s four-wicket haul in 11.4 overs saw them reduced to 78/5.
The 2024 Indian Premier League is being held in two phases due to the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. From March 22 to April 17, there will be twenty-one matches in the first round. Teams will still play away from home, which should result in a thrilling start to the campaign.
The significance of the Southern Derby and their common history make the meeting between RCB and CSK particularly noteworthy. With Virat Kohli returning to play and the squad seeking atonement, IPL 2024 is expected to provide thrills and excitement for cricket fans everywhere, and anticipation is at an all-time high.
With their backs against the wall, Anuj Rawat (48 off 25) and Dinesh Karthik (38* off 26) combined for a sixth-wicket stand of 95 runs off 50 balls to save the RCB innings. In the 20 overs that they were given, RCB scored a respectable 173/6 thanks to their partnership. With contributions from Rachin Ravindra, Shivam Dube (34* off 28), Ajinkya Rahane (27 off 19), Ravindra Jadeja (25* off 17), and Daryl Mitchell (22 off 18), CSK responded by chasing down the mark in 18.4 overs.
So, this was all about the Indian cricketer Virat Kohli. Also read, IPL 2024: Rishab Pant gets a special welcome from Google
