One of the all-time IPL greats, Virat Kohli, once again failed to dominate at the M. A. Chidambaram Stadium (Chepauk) as Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) took on Chennai Super Kings (CSK). Kohli managed 31 runs off 30 balls before falling to Noor Ahmad in the 13th over, highlighting his continued struggles at this venue, where he now averages 33.50 in 10 IPL matches.
Batting steadily, Kohli was looking to accelerate when Noor Ahmad tossed up a delivery on middle and off. Attempting a slog sweep, Kohli couldn’t get the required height and ended up hitting it straight to deep mid-wicket, where Rachin Ravindra took a comfortable catch. His dismissal ended a crucial 41-run third-wicket partnership, leaving RCB at 117/3.
In 10 IPL matches, Kohli has crossed the 40-run mark only thrice vs CSK at this venue
Despite his legendary IPL career, Kohli has found it difficult to make a significant impact at Chepauk. In 10 IPL innings at this venue, he has managed to cross the 40-run mark only three times against CSK. His strike rate at Chepauk remains a concern, as it currently stands at 112.04. In his last four innings here, he has recorded strike rates of 103.33, 105.00, 50.00, and 109.09, further underlining his struggle to accelerate on this surface.
RCB’s difficulties at Chepauk extend beyond Kohli. The franchise has not won a single IPL match at this venue since 2008, consistently finding it hard to counter CSK’s spin-friendly conditions. With today’s match offering Kohli a chance to build a big total, his failure to convert his start proved costly. Meanwhile, CSK fans erupted in celebration as Noor Ahmad once again exposed Kohli’s vulnerability on this surface.
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