IPL 2023: Virat Kohli's "Home vs Away" Stats Highlight Concerning Aspects Of His Game

09.05.2023 - 08:59 sports.ndtv.com

As the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023 season reaches a decisive stage, Virat Kohli's pace of scoring runs has left fans and pundits divided.

Though the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) Stalwart has been hailed by many for his consistency in scoring runs, there remain those too who aren't impressed by his strike-rate, especially in the middle overs.

As Kohli's side prepares to take on Mumbai Indians at the Wankhede on Tuesday, a concerning stat has emerged highlighting the contrasting strike-rate that Kohli has had home and away.

In total, Virat has played 6 games at home and 4 away in the 16th edition of the IPL so far. In the home matches, the 34-year-old has 253 runs to his name at a strike-rate of 149.70.

cricket Royal Challengers Bangalore Stats Phil Salt Virat Kohli Ravi Shastri India Bangalore

After 73 nail-biting contests and high-adrenaline games, IPL 2023 has reached its crescendo as we have got the two finallists in Chennai Super Kings and Gujarat Titans. Interestingly, it will be a repeat of the opening game of IPL 2023 where defending champions Gujarat Titans hosted four-time champions Chennai Super Kings in their backyard amid much fanfare at the iconic Narendra Modi Stadium. Gujarat Titans - who were a team to beat from the start of the tournament - suffered a defeat in Qualifier 1 against CSK. In Qualifier 2 GT faced a resurgent Mumbai Indians but young Shubman Gill's sublime century - third of the season - and Mohit Sharma's five-wicket haul propelled the holders to an emphatic victory.

"He Will Perform As Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma And MS Dhoni Have": Ex-India Star Praises Shubman Gill

Gujarat Titans have qualified for the 2023 IPL final after beating the Mumbai Indians in Qualifier 2 by 62 runs at the Narendra Modi stadium in Mumbai. The Titans put in a stunning performance with the bat, scoring 233 runs in the first innings. Shubman Gill had a spectacular 129-run knock (60b, 7x4, 10x6) that opened the floodgates for GT. Mumbai tried hard with several batters getting a good start but were eventually bowled out with 10 deliveries remaining, scoring 171 runs. Suryakumar Yadav top-scored with 61 runs (38b, 7x4, 2x6). A rematch against the Chennai Super Kings beckons, as CSK beat Gujarat in Qualifier 1 on Tuesday to solidify their spot in the final.

"Shubman Gill Will Swallow Trio Of MS Dhoni, Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma": Ex-India Pacer

Unarguably the finest batter of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023 season, Shubman Gill has been ruling the roost for Gujarat Titans. Having already notched up 851 runs this season, Gill will arguably pose the biggest threat to Chennai Super Kings as MS Dhoni's men look to claim the title for the 5th time. Gill has already decimated the teams of Virat Kohli (RCB) and Rohit Sharma (MI), scoring centuries against both. Former India cricketer Atul Wassan feels MS Dhoni (CSK) is next.

"Will Have To Deliver...": Ex-BCCI Chief Selector's Firm Message For Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Seniors In World Test Championship Final

Former chairman of the national selection committee MSK Prasad said that it would be important for senior batters to score well if Team India is to win the final of the ICC World Test Championship against Australia, which will be played at The Oval from June 7 onwards. He also said that excessive pressure should not be placed on the shoulders of young rising batter Shubman Gill despite him being in the "form of his life."

"Can't Wait": Pakistan Great Makes Huge WTC Final Prediction About Virat Kohli

Legendary Pakistan opener Saeed Anwar had a massive prediction regarding Virat Kohli for the World Test Championship (WTC) Final between India and Australia. The two teams will face off in the highly-anticipated encounter on June 7 at the Oval and a lot of onus will be on Kohli to guide his side to the coveted trophy. Kohli is currently in England after Royal Challengers Bangalore were knocked out of the Indian Premier League and he has already started practice in the conditions.

Watch: Anushka Sharma Sledges Virat Kohli, Imitates His Celebration. His Reply Is Viral

Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma appeared together in an event recently and the banter between them won a lot of hearts. The Royal Challengers Bangalore star and the well-known Bollywood actress played a number of games that entertained the crowd while their conversations have already gone viral on social media. During one part of the chat show, Anushka was asked to sledge Kohli and she came up with a perfect sledge while imitating a wicket-keeper. “Aaj 24th April hai, aaj toh run bana le Kohli (Today April 24, at least score runs today, Kohli)," Anushka said.