Experienced batter Virat Kohli scored a knock of 50 runs off just 38 deliveries in the IPL 2026 match between Mumbai Indians and Royal Challengers Bengaluru at the Wankhede Stadium, where the visitors won by 18 runs. There have been mixed reactions to Kohli’s knock from fans and experts, as former MI captain Harbhajan Singh believes that the 37-year-old provided the much-needed stability to RCB.
According to Harbhajan, Kohli’s knock was not sluggish, but in fact, it was not as aggressive as Phil Salt’s or Rajat Patidar’s. The veteran spinner lauded Kohli for cautiously tackling the challenge posed by Jasprit Bumrah during his miserly four-over spell, despite which RCB were able to post 240 runs on the board at the end of the first innings.
“Virat Kohli’s half-century came at a slightly slower pace. You could see he wasn’t fully satisfied, especially with the way Phil Salt was scoring at the other end. But his role was crucial. He ensured there were no early wickets and provided stability at the top,” Harbhajan said after the match via JioStar’s Match Centre Live.
“While players like Rajat Patidar and Salt played more aggressively, Kohli anchored the innings and allowed them to play their natural game. Against someone like Jasprit Bumrah, he was very cautious and played him intelligently, but he made sure to capitalise on the other bowlers whenever there was an opportunity,” the former India cricketer added.
Notably, Kohli hit five fours and a maximum in his stint at the crease as RCB completed a thumping win over the five-time winners. His opening partner, Salt, was bestowed with the Player of the Match award for his blistering 78 off 36 balls against a formidable attack. Salt struck six boundaries and as many sixes during his stay in the middle as he staged a 120-run partnership with Kohli for the opening wicket.
