To put it into context, among top-order batters in the ongoing IPL season (min. 82 runs in overs 7-16), only B Sai Sudharsan (126.84) and Ajinkya Rahane (126.15) strike slower than Kohli. Sanju Samson (155.26), Shubman Gill (150.6), Suryakumar Yadav (183.05) and Abhishek (189.13) are miles ahead in innings progression. Rohit Sharma, Ruturaj Gaikwad and KL Rahul, too, have their SR in the 130s, but they are marginally ahead. And among the three, only Rohit is a certainty in India’s T20I XI and his PP SR (175.47) is much higher than Kohli. Which begs the question — is Kohli’s approach in middle-overs a deterrent to the potential total his side can put up? Only the teams can answer.

On Thursday, RCB had the likes of Rajat Patidar (20 ball 50) and Cameron Green (37 n.o off 20) to make up as they posted 206/7 in 20 overs. Whether or not they defend it, Kohli’s approach is up for debate, if not for RCB on Thursday, for India or any team he plays on a given day while batting first. And that is something he would want to change. For, if someone with the calibre of Kohli can upgrade himself in the powerplay, he could do the same if he wants to in the remaining phases of the game as well.

Kohli innings construction since 2019

Year/Ovs SR
1-6 7-16
2019 138.9 118.6
2020 109.4 108.1
2021 130.3 106.5
2022 116.8 115.2
2023 136.8 133.9
2024* 155.4 131.29
* – until RCB v SRH on Thursday