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IPL 2026: Kohlis Half-century Came At A Slightly Slower Pace Vs MI, He Wasnt Fully Satisfied, Says Harbhajan

Royal Challengers Bengaluru: Former India spinner Harbhajan Singh offered a detailed assessment of Virat Kohlis innings in Royal Challengers Bengalurus 18-run win over Mumbai Indians, opining that the veteran had a slightly slow strike rate while scoring his fifty, but also dubbed his role in the game crucial'. In a high-scoring encounter at the Wankhede Stadium, RCB posted a formidable 240/4, with Kohli contributing a half-century alongside aggressive knocks from Phil Salt and Rajat Patidar. While Kohli reached his fifty, Harbhajan noted that the tempo of his innings was measured rather than explosive. Virat Kohlis half-century came at a slightly slower pace. You could see he wasnt fully satisfied, especially with the way Phil Salt was scoring at the other end. But his role was crucial. He ensured there were no early wickets and provided stability at the top. While players like Rajat Patidar and Salt played more aggressively, Kohli anchored the innings and allowed them to play their natural game. Against someone like Jasprit Bumrah, he was very cautious and played him intelligently, but he made sure to capitalise on the other bowlers whenever there was an opportunity, he told JioStar. Kohlis strategy provided RCB with a solid foundation, enabling the middle order to accelerate and reach a total over 240, a target that ultimately secured victory. Harbhajan also pointed out Krunal Pandyas bowling as crucial in limiting Mumbais chase, especially noting his control and strategic thinking during the middle overs. Virat Kohlis half-century came at a slightly slower pace. You could see he wasnt fully satisfied, especially with the way Phil Salt was scoring at the other end. But his role was crucial. He ensured there were no early wickets and provided stability at the top. While players like Rajat Patidar and Salt played more aggressively, Kohli anchored the innings and allowed them to play their natural game. Against someone like Jasprit Bumrah, he was very cautious and played him intelligently, but he made sure to capitalise on the other bowlers whenever there was an opportunity, he told JioStar. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Mumbai, despite a strong start, faltered in the middle overs as Krunal and Suyash Sharma applied the brakes, ensuring the required run rate kept climbing. The dismissal of key batters, including Suryakumar Yadav, further dented their chase. Article Source: IANS