‘He’s Not Just A Fielder…’ Ex-SRH Coach Hails Virat Kohli For Match-Winning Show Vs PBKS
Virat Kohli in action against PBKS in IPL 2024 (AP)
Virat Kohli crashed his sixth 50-plus score of the IPL 2024 season by smacking 92 runs from just 47 balls against Punjab Kings on May 9. The innings helped RCB mount 241-7 upfront at Dharamshala, before visiting bowlers collectively folded up the Kings for just 181.
Apart from his batting spectacle in the first half of the game, Kohli also pulled out an audacious runout with a direct hit from deep midwicket to remove Punjab Kings dangerman Shashank Singh.
Tom Moody hails ‘vintage Virat Kohli’
While speaking on Star Sports live after RCB’s emphatic 60-run win over Punjab Kings, former Australian cricketer and active commentator Tom Moody hailed Virat Kohli for his fielding brilliance that helped his team get rid of danger man Shashank Singh.
Moody noted Kohli’s age and described his direct-hit runout a “remarkable” effort. He said:
“It's quite remarkable, especially considering he's not the same as the vintage Virat Kohli, but he's also not 21 anymore; he's 30 (35). So, that's brilliant what he's done there. Running in from the deep, throwing himself to the ground, and managing to make the throw from that position is no easy feat. That's something we've definitely taken into consideration. It's truly extraordinary.”
Tom Moody further noted that even though Virat Kohli scored 92 runs in the first innings of the match, he managed to field with much focus and enthusiasm during Punjab Kings’ run-chase.
“He's not just a fielder; he's also contributed with the bat, scoring 92 runs and spending considerable time out in the middle. Despite the physical exertion, he's always running around in the field like no one else. In the middle of the innings of that second innings he still managed to display the focus, enthusiasm, fitness, and agility required to execute a run-out like that.”
Virat Kohli’s 92-run knock extended his IPL 2024 tally to 634 runs at a splendid average of 70.44. His innings also helped RCB secure its fourth win in succession, and fifth of the IPL 2024 season as they continue to make steady progress in a bid to qualify for the playoffs.