'One of the finest hundreds of his career' - Ambati Rayudu hails Virat Kohli for 'selfless' knock against RR

Former captain of Royal Challengers Bengaluru Virat Kohli faced criticism following his 67-ball century during the IPL 2024 showdown against Rajasthan Royals (RR) at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium on Saturday, April 6.

Despite Kohli's unbeaten 113 off 72 balls, a strike rate of 156.94, his ton was the joint-slowest century in the league's history. Former India cricketer Ambati Rayudu weighed in on Kohli's performance, suggesting that while the star batter could have boosted his strike rate by aiming for boundaries, doing so might have led to a risk of losing his wicket.

Rayudu praised Kohli's innings as "one of his finest hundreds", commending his selfless play for the team's sake. Rayudu emphasized Kohli's crucial role as the lone warrior for Bengaluru, as his century propelled RCB to 183/3 in 20 overs. However, RR emerged victorious with a six-wicket win, led by Jos Buttler's unbeaten 100 off 58 balls.

Also Read: IPL 2024: RCB's Virat Kohli equals unwanted record amid classy century against RR

"For me, it is one of the finest hundreds of his career. He played selflessly; he played for the team. He could have gotten out while trying to score fours and sixes, but he did what the team needed," Rayudu told Star Sports.

Problem is not Virat’s strike rate but performance of remaining batters: Ambati Rayudu

Despite Kohli's exceptional form this season, RCB's overall batting performance has been lackluster. Rayudu stressed the need for other batters to step up and support Kohli, while he also highlighted tactical errors such as the failure to promote Dinesh Karthik earlier in the batting order against RR.

"The problem is not Virat’s strike rate but the performance of the remaining batters. They are not simply contributing. What was Dinesh Karthik doing in the dugout? He should have come before Maxwell and Green. Mahipal Lomror, who played a crucial role in their only win, is not even a part of the Playing XI," he added.

Also read: IPL 2024: Virat Kohli receives 'slowest IPL ton' taunt from Junaid Khan

RCB's defeat against RR marked their fourth loss in IPL 2024, leaving them with just one win from five games and languishing in the eighth spot on the points table.