NEW DELHI: Matthew Hayden, ex-Australian opener has made a brave assertion about the batting skill of Virat Kohli as Indian Premier League 2024 playoffs are near.
In his opinion, that this Royal Challengers Bengaluru Icon can surpass his stellar 2016 season in which he won an Orange Cap by making an unbelievable 973 runs in 16 matches featuring four centuries and took RCB all the way to the finals.
Star Sports interviewed Hayden where he expressed how impressed he is by Kohli’s current form and dedication. “He could go well past his IPL 2016 performance in the kind of form that he’s in. So more than anything, I just think it’s the energy and the love of the game, the passion, the commitment for it all—all of those describing words that you can glorify this great man with, whether it be on the field or with bat in hand. He just loves it; it’s crazy,” Hayden said.
Kohli currently sits with an aggregate of 708 from fourteen appearances this season and could have three possible additional innings if RCB make it through to finals.
Hayden also noticed Kohli’s intensity during RCB’s match against CSK on their home ground as a way of rallying behind their supporters while shutting down opposition fans.
“The thing is, he’s so committed. And he gives it to the crowd as well. There was a couple of moments there where he was telling CSK fans to shut up,” added Hayden.
This turnaround from a poor start to winning six games in a row and earning a place among four best teams has proven RCB’s resilient nature beyond any doubt.
RCB wrapped up fourth position at end of league phase having seven wins, seven losses and slightly better net run rate than CSK, Delhi Capitals and Lucknow Super Giants who achieved similar points tally at 14 apiece.
On May 22nd, in Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadium, RCB will play Rajasthan Royals in the eliminator clash. The winning team of this match will go on to Qualifier 2 that will be held in Chennai on May 24th for a chance to qualify into the finals which are set for May 26.
With Kohli showing terrific form and the team displaying great determination, RCB fans are optimistic that this might just be their year when they finally win IPL trophy.
