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Just after winning the toss, Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) skipper Faf du Plessis made a big announcement. While announcing the one change in the side, Du Plessis said that Virat Kohli will open the innings alongside him. Kohli, who had registered two consecutive golden ducks, got a chance to make a comeback.
The stage was set as RCB bowlers managed restrict Rajasthan Royals (RR) for 144/8, which meant that Kohli will not be expected to take on the bowlers straightaway and will have time to play himself in. However, Kohli did not thrive as an opener this time around.
The dismissal
Once again, Kohli had that wry smile on when he lost his wicket. It was not a proper setup like last time. This time he went for a pull shot, the one that was played too early. The ball hit the toe end of the bat and did not go where he intended it to. It turned out to be an easy catch for backward point fielder Riyan Parag.
The 33-year-old got out after scoring nine runs from 10 deliveries. Opening the innings, Kohli faced Trent Boult in the first over. He almost got out off the second delivery he faced but the ball landed just short of square leg fielder Daryl Mitchell. He followed it up with a boundary. Next ball, he went for an expansive drive but the outside edge managed to evade wicketkeeper Samson and raced towards the boundary.
Disappointing average
This is turning out to be Kohli’s second worst IPL season as far his average is concerned. He has scored 128 runs from nine games at an average of 16.
The last time his average was below 20 was when he was still an uncapped cricketer. The Under-19 World Cup-winning captain scored 157 runs from 13 games at an average of 15 in the inaugural season of IPL.
Glimpses of old form
In the ongoing season, Kohli has also registered two consecutive golden ducks for the first time in his career. There have been only two impressive knocks from him this season. He scored an unbeaten 41 in RCB’s campaign opener. Also, he scored 48 in a game where he became a victim of controversial dismissal.
