Former Indian cricketer Akash Chopra Questions have been raised. Virat KohliThe approach despite the 18-run win against Royal Challengers Bangalore Mumbai Indians In their IPL 2026 clash in Mumbai on April 12.Kohli scored a half-century, scoring 50 off 38 balls, as RCB set a mammoth target of 241 runs. Defending champion then limited Hardik PandyaThe victory was sealed by 222/5. However, Chopra felt that the innings lacked the intent expected of a high-scoring contest.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, he pointed out that while the result went in favor of RCB, Kohli’s strike rate was not up to the demands of the match.“Virat Kohli actually scored very slow runs. If you look at it in the context of the match, you think it doesn’t matter if you win, but if you look at it through the lens of cricket, it was a very slow innings. That kind of innings is not good for this competition, and it’s not going to be Virat’s,” Chopra said.Chopra also highlighted moments that he felt reflected Kohli’s mindset during the innings. He noted that the former RCB captain appeared distracted and even burned two reviews on wide deliveries, which raised concerns.“He was trying, but he didn’t succeed. In fact, he was probably so worried that he missed two reviews on wide balls. That told me something about his mentality. He was also injured. Maybe that’s a bit of a problem because I didn’t see him on the field the first time. So he was injured and the nose was slow,” he added.Chopra, on the other hand, heaped praise on Phil Salt, who delivered a match-defining performance at the top of the order. The English batsman scored 78 runs off just 36 balls with six fours and six sixes and was instrumental in the century opening stand that gave RCB the early momentum.“We saw a great attack from Fitzsalt. I was just asking if Jacob Bethel could be played. He said, ‘Shut up, sir, I’m here.’ Phil Salt’s batting was top class as a good start was essential. It was an opening partnership of over 100 runs. When Phil starts hitting the salt, he doesn’t stop,” observes Chopra.Chopra also gave special praise to the RCB captain. Rajat PatidarWho has been in explosive form this season. Patidar scored 53 runs off just 20 balls in the same game, continuing his brilliant hitting streak.“How well Rajat Patidar is batting. He has hit 14 sixes in the whole year which is great because he has won the team. However, he has now hit 18 sixes. He has hit 10 sixes in the first 10 balls he has faced. Only four innings, and he has hit 10 sixes in just the first accelus 10 ball.”Chopra also questioned Mumbai Indians captain Hardik Pandya’s tactical decision to introduce spin against Patidar, suggesting it played to the batsman’s strengths.“Who initiates that? This guy does that. There was a time when he used to hit when people bowled him spin. Now he hits even if the fast bowlers are bowled, even if they spin bowled in front of him today (Sunday). I asked, why are you doing that? A lamb for the slaughter. He hit three sixes against Mayank Pa Markande. And Rajasthan are batting very well on the stage. The Indians are doing it. Will give it back to the team,” observed Chopra.Despite Kohli’s dominant outing, RCB’s overall batting strength proved too strong on the night, with Salt and Patidar’s contributions ensuring a commanding total and a crucial win.
