Virat Kohli found himself at the epicenter of controversy in IPL 2026 when he was jokingly labelled a 'Tortoise' by an international YouTuber after his innings against the Mumbai Indians on April 12 at the Wankhede Stadium.
The former India and RCB skipper scored 50 off 38 balls in the high-scoring game where the Royal Challengers Bengaluru posted 240/7, but the knock was critiqued owing to his strike rate of 131.58, which was seemingly very slow given the rate of scoring.
The aforementioned nickname was given by Sam Perry from the famed podcast, The Grade Cricketer, and he addressed the contrasting batting speeds between the partnership of Kohli and Phil Salt, calling them 'The Tortoise and the Hare' respectively.
Watch the video here:
Former India opener Aakash Chopra had too questioned his innings and stated, "Virat Kohli actually scored very slow runs... If you see it from the cricketing lens, it was a very slow knock. This kind of knock is unbecoming of this contest and neither is it unbecoming of Virat."
It was hinted that Kohli could have been carrying a slight niggle, as he took two reviews against wide balls and then went off the field for the remainder of the game.
Also Read | Watch: Jitesh Sharma’s Old 'Dosa Idli Sambhar' Clip Mocking CSK Fans Goes Viral Amid IPL 2026 DJ Song Controversy
Kohli Responds with Blistering Knock, Reclaims Orange Cap
The questions were answered by Kohli in the very next match against the Lucknow Super Giants. Chasing 146, he played a controlled knock of 49 from 34 balls and kept RCB in the run after an early wicket fell.
His innings was studded with six fours and a six and was crucial in building a platform in the chase. Although he was removed by Avesh Khan, the bedrock was set for RCB to get closer. With the knock, Kohli also reclaimed the Orange Cap as he reached a tally of 225 runs in IPL 2026.
The arguments against the current batting strategy come even after Kohli was in good form for the tournament. He came into the match against Mumbai Indians batting at 162.72 which shows that he is keeping with the modern demands of T20 cricket.
He also formed an opening partnership of 120 with Phil Salt against the same team which suggests that his ability to be an anchor is still there to be used.
While arguments will continue to be there around Kohli's style of play as IPL 2026 progresses. His knock will surely silence some of the voices if not all of them as he showed again why he is arguably the most reliable player in the tournament.
Contact to : xlf550402@gmail.com
Copyright © boyuanhulian 2020 - 2023. All Right Reserved.