Virat Kohli's unconventional match prep: What the former RCB skipper skips to stay on top

Virat Kohli has motivated Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) to stage a remarkable comeback in IPL 2024, transforming a disastrous beginning into a playoff spot. They are set to compete against Rajasthan Royals in the knockout Eliminator in Ahmedabad on Wednesday.

Kohli has silenced critics questioning his T20 strike rate by leading the league in runs this season. He has amassed 708 runs in 14 innings with a strike rate of 155.60, including one century and five half-centuries.

Ahead of RCB's big game, Star Sports shared a video where the former India captain is speaking about the process he follows to find solutions in different situations while batting in the middle.


"I like to keep things very, very simple. I am not a big stats guy. I have never really watched the analysis of any bowler, the wrist positions, where the ball is, because the guy might do something different on a particular day. I have to adapt. I have to trust my own eyes, my own instict and react to the ball and find the best solutions in any situation possible. And when you are thinking on your feet, you will find solutions to the situations that arise," said Kohli in the video.

IPL 2024 standings: Orange Cap
Kohli's outstanding performance has been crucial to RCB's success, helping them win six consecutive matches to secure a playoff spot after losing seven of their first eight games this season.

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— StarSportsIndia (@StarSportsIndia)

"I don't think computer analysis can tell you the situation you are going to be in. It can't prepare you for that. So finding solutions is a very, very in-the-moment process. As I said, I have based my cricket on the basics of the game. I keep my game very similar in all three formats and for me it's just playing the game at a different tempo," he added.

If RCB manage to put it across Rajasthan on Wednesday night, they will face Sunrisers Hyderabad in Qualifier 2 for a place in the final against Kolkata Knight Riders.

Kolkata hammered the Sunrisers by 8 wickets in Qualifier 1 to book a place in the title clash on May 26 in Chennai.

(With TOI inputs)