Aakash Chopra Raises Concerns Over Virat Kohli's Batting Approach in RCB's Victory
Former India cricketer and prominent analyst Aakash Chopra has expressed significant concerns regarding Virat Kohli's batting approach during Royal Challengers Bengaluru's 18-run triumph over Mumbai Indians in their IPL 2026 encounter at Mumbai's Wankhede Stadium on April 12. Despite RCB securing a crucial victory and Kohli registering a half-century, Chopra believes the innings lacked the necessary intent for such a high-scoring match.
Kohli's Subdued Knock Under Scrutiny
Virat Kohli brought up his fifty with a composed 50 runs off 38 deliveries as Royal Challengers Bengaluru posted a formidable total of 241 runs. The defending champions then successfully restricted Hardik Pandya's Mumbai Indians to 222/5, sealing an important win. However, Chopra pointed out that Kohli's strike rate did not align with the aggressive demands of the contest.
"Virat Kohli actually scored very slow runs," Chopra stated on his YouTube channel. "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 further highlighted specific moments that revealed Kohli's apparent distraction during the innings. He noted that the former RCB captain wasted two crucial reviews on wide deliveries, which raised questions about his mindset. "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," Chopra explained.
The analyst also mentioned Kohli's injury as a potential factor, observing that it was the first time he hadn't seen Kohli take the field. "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.
Explosive Contributions from Salt and Patidar
In stark contrast to Kohli's measured innings, Chopra heaped praise on English opener Phil Salt, who delivered a match-defining performance at the top of the order. Salt hammered a blistering 78 runs off just 36 balls, smashing six boundaries and six maximums, and played a pivotal role in a century opening partnership that provided RCB with early momentum.
"We saw a very good assault from Phil Salt," Chopra remarked enthusiastically. "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 also reserved special acclaim for RCB skipper Rajat Patidar, who has been in devastating form throughout the season. Patidar smashed a rapid-fire 53 off merely 20 deliveries in the same match, continuing his remarkable hitting streak. "How well Rajat Patidar is batting," Chopra observed. "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."
Tactical Questions for Mumbai Indians
Chopra questioned Mumbai Indians captain Hardik Pandya's decision to introduce spin against the in-form Patidar, suggesting it played directly into the batter's strengths. "Who starts like that? This guy does that," Chopra said about Patidar's aggressive approach. "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. I asked, why are you doing that? A lamb to the slaughterhouse. He hit three sixes against Mayank Markande."
Chopra further emphasized Patidar's leadership and batting prowess, predicting a potential return to the Indian national team. "Rajat Patidar is captaining well and batting very well. At some stage, he will make it back to the Indian team," he confidently stated.
Overall Team Performance Secures Victory
Despite Virat Kohli's subdued performance, Royal Challengers Bengaluru's overall batting firepower proved overwhelming against Mumbai Indians. The explosive contributions from Phil Salt and Rajat Patidar ensured RCB posted a commanding total that ultimately secured a crucial victory in the IPL 2026 season. The win highlights RCB's depth and ability to triumph even when key players like Kohli are not at their most destructive.
