Virat Kohli has now surpassed Chris Gayle as the player with the most IPL centuries thanks to his seventh century. However, Kohli was the only notable performer, as his second consecutive century propelled Royal Challengers Bangalore to a difficult 197 for five in their crucial IPL league match against Gujarat Titans on Sunday.
The game began 30 minutes later than scheduled. But Kohli (101 not out off 61 balls) brought back his 2016 persona despite the rain gods’ threat to derail RCB’s play-off plans during the day.
Virat Kohli made records with his IPL century
As the batter with the most tournament tons. He has now surpassed Chris Gayle thanks to his seventh IPL hundred.
During his knock, which included 13 fours and a six, he held all the aces. He set the narrative by manipulating the line, length and bowlers’ minds, just like in the good old days. His innings were priceless given that none of the other RCB batters even reached 30.
The final total, though competitive enough, might still be about 10 runs below average, given that the Chinnaswamy Stadium is known for producing batting belters.
With a barrage of boundaries against Mohammed Shami (1/39 in 4 overs) and the already distraught Yash Dayal in the powerplay. Kohli and captain Faf Du Plessis (28) got things going in a big way.
Hardik Pandya was compelled to use Rashid Khan his primary weapon. As soon as possible to halt the flow of runs. After they were destroyed for as many as nine boundaries. After giving up 62 runs in six powerplay overs, Rashid and his “left-arm mirror image” Noor Ahmed (2/39 in 4 overs) stopped the scoring.
Du Plessis attempted to hit him inside in a freakish manner, but Noor dismissed him. Rahul Tewatia completed an easy catch after the edge lobbed up from Wriddhiman Saha’s pads. Glenn Maxwell got off to a good start, But Rashid quickly bowled one that was full. He just broke back enough to get past the batter’s defence as RCB found themselves in a rut.
However, Mohit Sharma’s slower balls failed in this instance. Michael Bracewell (26), who was able to score 26 runs, relieved some of Kohli’s pressure at the other end. When Dinesh Karthik’s miserable season continued to worsen, Dayal finally had something going for him. Shami caught Bracewell before he could do more damage after he was hit for seven fours in his first three overs.
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