Virat Kohli’s ‘very slow knock’ under fire, ex-India cricketer questions RCB star

Former India cricketer Aakash Chopra has raised questions over Virat Kohli’s approach despite Royal Challengers Bengaluru securing an 18-run win against Mumbai Indians in their IPL 2026 clash in Mumbai on April 12.

Kohli brought up a half-century, scoring 50 off 38 deliveries, as RCB posted a massive 241-run target. The defending champions then restricted Hardik Pandya’s side to 222/5 to seal victory. However, Chopra felt the innings lacked the intent expected in a high-scoring encounter.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, he pointed out that while the result went in RCB’s favour, Kohli’s strike rate did not align with the demands of the match.

"Virat Kohli actually scored very slow runs. If you look at it in the context of the match, you feel it doesn't matter as you won, but if you see it from the cricketing lens, it was a very slow knock. This kind of knock is unbecoming of this contest, and neither is it becoming of Virat," Chopra said.

Chopra also highlighted moments that, in his view, reflected Kohli’s mindset during the innings. He noted that the former RCB captain appeared distracted and even burned two reviews on wide deliveries, which raised concerns.

"He was trying, but it just did not come off. In fact, he was probably so distracted that he wasted two reviews on wide balls. That just told me something about his mindset. He was injured as well. Maybe that is a bit of an issue because it was the first time I didn't see him come to field. So he was injured and the knock was slow as well," he added.

On the other hand, Chopra had high praise for Phil Salt, who delivered a match-defining performance at the top of the order. The English batter hammered 78 off just 36 balls, smashing six fours and six sixes, and played a key role in a century opening stand that gave RCB early momentum.

"We saw a very good assault from Phit Salt. I was only saying whether Jacob Bethell could be played. He said, 'Quiet sir, I am there.' Phil Salt's batting was top-class because a good start was necessary. It was an opening partnership of more than 100 runs. When Phil Salt starts hitting, he doesn't stop," Chopra observed.

Chopra also reserved special praise for RCB skipper Rajat Patidar, who has been in explosive form this season. Patidar smashed 53 off just 20 deliveries in the same game, continuing his remarkable hitting streak.

"How well Rajat Patidar is batting. He hit 14 sixes in the entire last year, which is excellent as he made the team win. However, he has already hit 18 sixes now. He has hit 10 sixes in the first 10 balls he has faced. Only four innings have happened, and he has hit 10 sixes in just the first 10 balls. That acceleration is monstrous," he said.

Chopra also questioned Mumbai Indians captain Hardik Pandya’s tactical decision to introduce spin against Patidar, suggesting it played into the batter’s strengths.

"Who starts like that? This guy does that. There was a time when he used to hit when people bowled spin to him. Now he hits even if fast bowlers are bowled. They even bowled spin to him today (Sunday). I asked, why are you doing that? A lamb to the slaughterhouse. He hit three sixes against Mayank Markande. Rajat Patidar is captaining well and batting very well. At some stage, he will make it back to the Indian team," Chopra observed.

Despite Kohli’s subdued outing, RCB’s overall batting firepower proved too strong on the night, with contributions from Salt and Patidar ensuring a commanding total and a crucial win.