RCB Triumphs Over MI: Harbhajan Analyzes Kohli's Performance and Team Dynamics

RCB's Victory and Kohli's Role

Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], April 13: After the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) secured a win against the Mumbai Indians (MI), former Indian cricketer Harbhajan Singh shared insights on Virat Kohli's performance. He noted that Kohli's half-century seemed to leave him feeling unfulfilled, yet he recognized the importance of Kohli's innings in providing essential stability to the top order.

With significant contributions from Phil Salt, Kohli, and captain Rajat Patidar, RCB managed to defeat MI by 18 runs in the IPL 2026.

Despite scoring 50 runs off 38 balls, including five fours and a six, Kohli appeared to struggle with his timing, resulting in a strike rate that dipped significantly from his tournament average of over 173.

Currently, Kohli ranks among the top ten run-scorers, amassing 179 runs across four innings with an impressive average of 59.66 and a strike rate exceeding 162.

During a discussion on JioHotstar's 'Match Centre Live', Harbhajan remarked, 'Kohli's half-century came at a slower pace than usual. It was evident he wasn't entirely satisfied, especially with Phil Salt's aggressive batting. However, his role was vital in preventing early wickets and maintaining stability at the top of the order.'

Harbhajan emphasized that Kohli's steady play allowed Salt and Patidar to unleash their attacking styles against MI's bowlers.

'While players like Rajat Patidar and Salt were more aggressive, Kohli anchored the innings, enabling them to express their natural game. He approached bowlers like Jasprit Bumrah with caution, yet capitalized on opportunities against others,' he added.

Additionally, Harbhajan praised spinner Krunal Pandya for his economical bowling figures of 1/26, noting that he has taken five wickets in four matches, with his best performance being 2/30.

'Krunal's understanding of angles, pace, and conditions is exceptional. We often focus on batters, but bowlers win matches, and Krunal made a significant impact. For those who believe spinners can't succeed at Wankhede, this match showcased how to adapt and utilize skills effectively,' he stated.

JioStar analyst Irfan Pathan also commented on MI's batting struggles, highlighting Hardik Pandya's inability to convert a good start into a substantial score and emphasizing that conceding 240 runs is a major concern.

'There are definitely issues with the batting, but the larger problem lies in allowing 240 runs. Chasing 241 on this pitch should have been more achievable. The lack of a solid start during the Powerplay and early wickets created pressure on the middle order. There were moments in the middle overs where they could have accelerated but failed to do so. Hardik Pandya scored runs but never seemed fully in control, and players like Tilak Varma have had quiet outings. Rickelton needs to find better strategies against spin. These small gaps made a significant difference,' he explained.

Pathan also commended RCB's Rajat Patidar for his explosive 20-ball 53, which included four boundaries and five sixes, labeling him a 'nightmare for bowlers.'

'Patidar has been a terror for bowlers. He comes in and attacks from the first ball, which sets a crucial tone. Every ball he faced seemed capable of going for six. His approach has been a major asset for RCB, distinguishing their total from the opposition,' he remarked.

This season, Patidar has faced 59 balls against spin, scoring 129 runs at a strike rate of 218.94, with nine fours and 11 sixes, while being dismissed twice. Against pace, he has scored 66 runs off 32 balls, with a strike rate of 206.25, including two fours and seven sixes, with one dismissal. Patidar is currently tied for the most sixes this season with Vaibhav Sooryavanshi (18) and ranks as the second-highest run-scorer, accumulating 195 runs in four innings at an average of 65.00 and a strike rate of 214.28, including two fifties.