IPL 2025: RCB coach brushes off concerns over Virat Kohli’s spin play ahead of DC clash

New Delhi: Before their upcoming clash with Delhi Capitals (DC), Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) spin coach Malolan Rangarajan praised Virat Kohli for refining his technique and strategy against spin. Rangarajan noted that Kohli has shown significant progress in both intent and execution when facing spin bowlers, especially in contrast to his performances last season.

Virat Kohli is gearing up for a return to his hometown, Delhi. The city where his journey in cricket first began. This emotional comeback aligns with a high-stakes clash against the Delhi Capitals, set to take place at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on April 27. Kohli remains a frontrunner in the Orange Cap race, sitting in second place with a stellar 392 runs from nine games. His current form is exceptional, averaging 65.33 with a strike rate of 144.11, including five fifties, with his top score being an unbeaten 73.

At the pre-match media interaction, RCB spin bowling coach Malolan Rangarajan weighed in on the narrative around Virat Kohli’s difficulties with spin bowling. He emphasised that isolating Kohli’s performance against spin or dwelling on his strike rate from last season doesn’t present the full picture, pointing out that the veteran batter has shown noticeable progress in both areas this year.

“It was not only Virat last season who was not batting at the desired strike rate. It was the whole team. So I think the whole team got together. And that is precisely what happened. That is part one,” said Malolan in the pre-match press conference.

“Part two is about Virat Kohli as the individual. He does not need to go and practice extra against left-arm spin and leg spin. He’s batted for 20-25 years. He is a genius. He just has to decide what he wants to do and how he wants to take down a particular bowler,” he added.

Rangarajan praised Virat Kohli’s unwavering commitment to bettering himself, highlighting the star batter’s drive to keep refining his skills despite having enjoyed a storied career.

Looking back at Kohli’s start to the 2024 season, he had piled up 319 runs across the first six games at a stellar average of 79.75, which included one century and a pair of fifties. However, his strike rate. Hovering around 141. Came under scrutiny from fans and pundits alike. Many felt that his slightly measured tempo, especially while facing spin, might have been slowing down Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s run flow and overall rhythm.

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