Virat Kohli’s ‘very slow knock’ under fire, ex-India cricketer questions RCB star
Aakash Chopra criticised Virat Kohli’s slow 50 off 38 balls in RCB’s win over Mumbai Indians, calling it “unbecoming” despite the result. He also questioned Kohli’s mindset and noted wasted reviews. Chopra praised Phil Salt’s explosive 78 and Rajat Patidar’s striking form, highlighting their key roles in RCB’s 18-run victory.
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.