Virat Kohli, the talismanic batter of Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), has reclaimed the Orange Cap as the leading run-scorer in IPL 2024. His 42-run knock against Gujarat Titans on Saturday propelled him past Chennai Super Kings’ Ruturaj Gaikwad, who had briefly held the coveted cap.
Kohli’s innings came off just 27 deliveries, showcasing his exceptional strokeplay. He formed a formidable opening partnership with RCB skipper Faf du Plessis, who struck a blistering 62 off 23 balls. The duo put up a 92-run stand, laying the foundation for RCB’s eventual four-wicket victory.
However, RCB’s middle order faltered against the impressive bowling of Joshua Litle, who claimed four wickets. But the damage had already been done by Kohli and du Plessis, and veteran finisher Dinesh Karthik (21* off 12) and Swapil Singh (15* off 9) guided the team home in the 14th over.
Kohli’s knock not only earned him the Orange Cap but also sparked a moment of camaraderie with Karthik. After receiving the cap from his teammate, Kohli playfully bowed to him, eliciting smiles from both players.
RCB’s bowlers also played a crucial role in the victory, restricting Gujarat Titans to a below-par 147. Yash Dayal, Vijaykumar Vyshak, and Mohammed Siraj picked up two wickets each.
Despite the win, RCB’s playoff hopes remain uncertain. They currently sit seventh in the points table, with their qualification chances hanging in the balance. However, Kohli’s return to form and the team’s overall performance in recent matches provide a glimmer of hope for their fans.
