IPL 2024

Hum tho unhe Raja he bolenge’ – Fans react as Virat Kohli tells people not to call him ‘King’

The game against Bangalore was the 11th consecutive defeat for Mumbai in Indian T20 League.

Apr 4, 2023 11:54 am

Virat Kohli has carried his good form with the bat from team India to the Indian T20 League. The former Bangalore skipper gave a good account of himself against Mumbai, scoring 82 off 49 balls with six fours and five sixes. Kohli took on the Mumbai bowlers at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bangalore to ensure an eight-wicket win. And clearly, Mumbai did not get their tactics right on the night. Perhaps, they did not introduce Jofra Archer upfront and paid the price.

Bangalore coasted to Mumbai’s target of 172. The ‘Bold Army’ got to the target in 16.2 overs. Meanwhile, Kohli said in an interview that he does not like to be called ‘King’, as he is so often affectionately called. The tag of ‘King Kohli’ is coined by the fans because of his dominance and persona he carries with the bat and his presence on the field. However, Kohli said, “People tell me ‘King’ out of love, but I personally don’t prefer it. Like ‘Ee Sala Cup Namdhe’, don’t say ‘King’ (smiles)”. The star India batter has started off on a bang for Bangalore. The Bold Army showed that they were a force to reckon with against Mumbai.

Bangalore beat Mumbai by 8 wickets to get their first win in Indian T20 League 2023

Bangalore truck with the ball initially in the first innings. They made the big moves early and reduced Mumbai to 48-4. The Paltan were saved by a whirlwind knock from Tilak Varma. The left-hander tore the Bangalore bowlers to shreds at the depth. This helped Mumbai to get to a total of 171-7. Mumbai got back into the game because of Varma’s timely knock. Bangalore were good with the ball but, they faced problems at the death.

In the second innings, it was all about Kohli and Faf du Plessis. The duo got together and put up a 148-run partnership at the top for Bangalore. This laid the foundation for the Bold Army. Faf du Plessis put the pressure on Mumbai by taking on the bowling in the initial overs. The South African made a pleasing 73 off 43 balls with five fours and six sixes. Mumbai still had not got over their first game blues. Bangalore won the game by 8 wickets.

The Paltan had lost all the first games in the Indian T20 League since 2013. Mumbai have had issues with bowling depth even in 2022. Mumbai did not have Jofra Archer last season. They now have to contend without the presence of Jasprit Bumrah. It appears that Mumbai do not have bowling depth to complement their batting depth.

Let us take a look at the reactions on Twitter: