Virat Kohli batted brilliantly against GT, especially while facing Rashid Khan: Sachin Tendulkar

Royal Challengers Bangalore won the all-important clash against Gujarat Titans, keeping their hopes well and truly alive for the playoffs. It was the former RCB skipper Virat Kohli who made all the headlines as he roared back into form with a typically fluent 73 off 54 balls. The dashing batter was positive from the get-go and lived up to his title of ‘chase-master’ as RCB successfully chased down Titan’s target of 169 with eight balls to spare.

And it wasn’t just the fans who were in awe of the star’s return to form. One of the most celebrated cricketers of all time, Sachin Tendulkar, was also impressed with Virat’s eye-catching innings.

“I liked the positive attitude shown by the Bangalore batters. Virat took the initiative and he started attacking. In this match, I liked one thing in particular, and that was the precision in his footwork and, as they say, showing the face of the bat. It was visible and I liked that. Both batters are fit, and their running between the wicket is brilliant,” Tendulkar said in his YouTube video.

Faf du Plessis supported Virat Kohli well: Sachin Tendulkar

Virat has had a prolonged lean run of form in this year’s IPL, and this was only his second half century this season. But, the manner in which he dispatched all bowlers, especially the deceptive Rashid Khan, indicated his control of the game. He took down Rashid for two sixes, something he had never done before against the leggie. Virat also became the first player ever to score 7000 runs for a T20 side during the game against Gujarat.

“The shot Virat played against Rashid, to reach his fifty, was just brilliant. I thought he noticed that it was a leg spinner, and the length of the ball was close to his feet, and at the last moment, he used his wrist to give it elevation. I loved it because it wasn’t a wild slog at all. He read the bowler well and being aware of the length, he played that shot at the last moment. Overall, Virat batted brilliantly I felt and Faf played a great supporting role. That was smart cricket,” The Little Master added.