Virat Kohli of Royal Challengers Bengaluru (Photo by ANI) Former India cricketer Aakash Chopra has raised questions about Virat Kohli’s approach despite Royal Challengers Bengaluru securing an 18th win against Mumbai Indians in their IPL 2026 encounter in Mumbai on April 12. Kohli made a half-century and scored 50 off 38 deliveries as RCB posted a massive target of 241 runs. The defending champions then restricted Hardik Pandya’s side to 222/5 to seal victory. However, Chopra felt the innings lacked the intent expected in a high-scoring encounter. He pointed out on his YouTube channel 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 slowly. When you look at it in the context of the match, you feel it doesn’t matter how you won, but when you see it through a cricketing lens, it was a very slow knock. This kind of knock is unbecoming of this competition and it doesn’t happen from Virat anyway,” Chopra said. Chopra also highlighted moments that he felt reflected Kohli’s mindset during the innings. He noted that the former RCB skipper looked distracted and even burnt two reviews on wide deliveries, which raised concerns. “He tried but it just didn’t work. In fact he was probably so distracted that he missed two reviews on wide balls. That just tells me something about his mindset. He was also injured. Maybe it’s a bit of a problem because it was the first time I saw him come on the field. So he was injured and the knock was also slow,” he added. Chopra, on the other hand, had high praise for Phil Salt, who delivered a match-defining performance at the top of the order. The England batsman smashed 78 off just 36 balls, smashing six fours and six sixes and played a key role in the opening stand century that gave RCB early momentum. “We saw a very good offense from Phit Salt. I was just saying if Jacob Bethell could play. He said, ‘Shut up, sir, I’m there.’ Phil Salt’s batting was first class as a good start was essential. It was a 100+ run opening partnership. When Phil Salt starts hitting, he doesn’t stop,” noted Chopra. Chopra also reserved special praise for RCB skipper Rajat Patidar, who has been in explosive form this season. Patidar smashed 53 off just 20 deliveries in the same game and continued his remarkable hitting streak. “How well Rajat Patidar is batting. He hit 14 sixes in the whole of last year which is outstanding because he led the team to victory. But now he has hit 18 sixes. He hit 10 sixes in the first 10 balls he faced. There were only four innings and he hit 10 sixes in just the first 10 balls of the storm,” he said. Chopra also questioned Mumbai Indians captain Hardik Pandya’s tactical decision to introduce spin against Patidar, suggesting that it played into the batter’s strength. “Who starts like that? This guy does it. There was a time when he would hit when people bowled at him. Now he hits even when the fast bowlers are bowling. Today (Sunday) they even bowled him spin. I asked why are you doing that? A lamb to the slaughter. He hit three sixes against Mayank Markande. Rajat Patidar is doing well to captain the team at some stage. Chopra remarked. Despite Kohli’s subdued campaign, RCB’s overall batting firepower proved too much on the night, with contributions from Salt and Patidar securing a commanding total and a crucial victory.
