IPL 2025: Gavaskar Praises Kohli's Changed Approach

Key Takeaways

Sunil Gavaskar praised Virat Kohli's performance.
Kohli scored 67 runs off 42 balls.
RCB won by 12 runs against Mumbai Indians.
Kohli's aggressive strategy is paying off.
RCB is third in the standings.

Mumbai, April 8 (NationPress) Indian batting legend Sunil Gavaskar praised Virat Kohli's impressive 67-run performance in the Royal Challengers Bengaluru's narrow 12-run victory over the Mumbai Indians, highlighting that the right-handed batsman's strategy to execute lofted shots earlier in the innings has been remarkably effective.

Kohli spearheaded the RCB effort with a stylish 67 runs off 42 balls, marking his second half-century of the tournament. He was well-supported by captain Rajat Patidar, who scored 64 runs off 32 balls, and Jitesh Sharma, who contributed a brisk 40 runs off 21 balls, propelling the team to an impressive total of 221/5 against MI.

Displaying his classic batting style, Kohli greeted Jasprit Bumrah by launching a six over mid-wicket and reached his second half-century of the season by sending Vignesh Puthur into the stands. His outstanding innings concluded when he was dismissed by Hardik Pandya in the 15th over.

“The significant change over the last season and a half has been his approach to play lofted shots much earlier. Previously, he would attempt those shots later in the innings, but now he seeks to take risks from the very first ball, which is making a substantial impact. Bowlers who were ready for his drives and flicks are now witnessing the ball sailing over the infield for boundaries. This shift in mindset has disrupted the bowlers, and it’s working exceptionally well for him,” Gavaskar remarked.

In response, MI captain Pandya (42 off 15) and Tilak Varma (56 off 29) executed a remarkable counterattack following a top-order collapse, putting pressure on RCB for a potential stunning chase. However, Krunal Pandya (4-45), Yash Dayal (2-46), and Josh Hazlewood (2-37) performed effectively with the ball, limiting the Mumbai Indians to 209/9 and securing a 12-run victory, ending their 10-year winless streak at Wankhede Stadium.

Gavaskar commended Krunal's outstanding performance in defending RCB's score, stating that his bowling reminds him of one of India's legendary all-rounders, Vinoo Mankad.

“I have always respected him for his sharp cricketing acumen and thought process. His temperament compensates for any minor shortcomings he might have — and frankly, he has very few. He’s an excellent batsman and a savvy bowler. When he bowls, he truly reminds me of how Vinoo Mankad used to operate.

“Mankad wasn’t known for a significant turn on the ball, but he possessed subtle variations — line and length, pace changes, occasional bounce, and even a high full toss kind of beamer. Krunal Pandya exhibits that same kind of variety. It’s no surprise that the captain had the confidence to give him the last over. That level of trust speaks volumes,” Gavaskar added.

RCB has triumphed in three of their four matches thus far and currently occupies the third position in the standings. Their next match is against Delhi Capitals (DC) at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on Thursday.