IPL 2025: Matthew Hayden Commends Virat Kohli's Unbeaten Fifty, Calls Him 'Kohli 2.0'
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Synopsis
In the IPL 2025 opener, Virat Kohli's unbeaten 59 led RCB to a thrilling victory against KKR. Matthew Hayden praised Kohli's performance, dubbing it a 'Kohli 2.0' as RCB's new captain Rajat Patidar also impressed. Krunal Pandya's bowling played a key role in restricting KKR, showcasing RCB's strong all-round performance.
Key Takeaways
- Virat Kohli scored an unbeaten 59, showcasing excellent form.
- RCB defeated KKR by seven wickets at Eden Gardens.
- Matthew Hayden praised Kohli's performance as 'Kohli 2.0'.
- Krunal Pandya's 3/29 was crucial in limiting KKR's score.
- Rajat Patidar impressed on his captaincy debut with a quick 34 runs.
Kolkata, March 23 (NationPress) After Virat Kohli's unbeaten half-century propelled Royal Challengers Bengaluru to an exhilarating victory against the reigning champions, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), in the IPL 2025 opener, former Australian batsman Matthew Hayden lauded the right-hander's "chasing masterclass," referring to his current performance as a dynamic "Kohli 2.0" on the field.
Kohli, who holds the record as the most prolific run-scorer in IPL history, resumed his form from 2024, finishing unbeaten on 59 while chasing a target of 175 following an impressive opening partnership with Phil Salt (56 off 31), leading RCB to a seven-wicket win at Eden Gardens.
In the aftermath of RCB's victory, Hayden assessed Kohli's strategy during the chase, stating that 175 was an ideal total for the former captain to pursue.
"This was the perfect total for Virat Kohli to chase. If you find yourself in a par or slightly above-par scenario on such a pitch, that's where he excels. It’s crucial for Phil Salt, as his partner, to help boost the strike rate and scoring rate. Kohli has resumed his form exactly where he left off with Kolkata Knight Riders, but in recent times, we’ve witnessed ‘Virat Kohli 2.0.’
"Particularly during the middle overs, he was exceptionally effective. He finds it relatively easy against pace in the powerplay, but today, throughout the middle overs, he maintained a strike rate exceeding 170—precisely what was required," Hayden commented on JioHotstar.
Indian cricket legend Sunil Gavaskar also emphasized the contributions of Rajat Patidar, who had a stellar performance on his RCB captaincy debut with a brisk 34 off 16, noting, "Rajat Patidar has played under Virat Kohli and has spent ample time with him, so he would have adapted more easily. As soon as he came in to bat, Kohli was giving him the assurance to play freely. And what an innings Virat Kohli played! What an innings Patidar played! It was a fabulous knock—the way he was timing the ball made it look effortless.
"Acknowledging that a swift victory is vital in the long run, RCB’s capability to limit KKR from what initially appeared to be a 200-210 score down to 175 will instill significant confidence. As a captain and a batter, Rajat Patidar has stepped up. Everything he executed, including bowling changes, was remarkable," Gavaskar stated on JioHotstar.
Earlier, the foundation for the victory was laid by player-of-the-match Krunal Pandya, who took 3 wickets for 29 runs in four overs, playing a crucial role in RCB's recovery after KKR started strong and restricted the defending champions to 174/8.
"He was an astute pick and a clever bowler. His variations in pace and ability to target the stumps created an excellent setup. Experience is invaluable in high-pressure situations, and he displayed significant character. At one point, it seemed RCB was in serious trouble, but their comeback was outstanding," Hayden remarked on Pandya’s impact in the match.
Hayden concluded by commending RCB's all-around performance, stating, "It was a decisive and significant victory for Rajat Patidar as the new captain. Having Virat Kohli in prime form certainly aids. Their bowling attack appeared robust—Krunal Pandya was a crucial asset during the middle overs, and Josh Hazlewood did what he does best. For the first time in a long while, I look at RCB’s configuration and sense there’s something special about this team this year."
