NEW DELHI: Former Australian opener
Matthew Hayden
has made a bold claim regarding
Virat Kohli
's batting prowess as the Indian Premier League 2024 playoffs approach.
Hayden believes that the
Royal Challengers Bengaluru
star can eclipse his legendary 2016 season, where he won the
Orange Cap
by scoring an astonishing 973 runs in 16 games, including four centuries, and led RCB to the final.
Speaking on Star Sports, Hayden expressed his admiration for Kohli's current form and determination.
"He could go well past his IPL 2016 performance in the kind of form that he's in. So more than anything, I just think it's the energy and the love of the game, the passion, the commitment for it all—all of those describing words that you can glorify this great man with, whether it be on the field or with bat in hand. He just loves it; it's crazy," Hayden said.
Kohli has already amassed 708 runs this season in 14 games and could potentially have three more innings if RCB advance to the final.
Hayden also highlighted Kohli's intensity on the field during RCB's game against CSK, noting his ability to rally the home crowd and silence opposition supporters.
"The thing is, he's so committed. And he gives it to the crowd as well. There were a couple of moments where he was telling CSK fans to be quiet," Hayden added.
RCB's remarkable turnaround from a disappointing first half of the season, where they won only one of eight games, to winning six consecutive matches to reach the playoffs, has been a testament to the team's resilience.
RCB finished the league stage in fourth place with seven wins, seven losses, and a higher net-run-rate than CSK, Delhi Capitals, and Lucknow Super Giants, who also had 14 points.
RCB will face Rajasthan Royals in the eliminator clash at Ahmedabad's
Narendra Modi Stadium
on May 22. The winner of this match will advance to Qualifier 2, set to take place in Chennai on May 24, for a chance to reach the final on May 26.
With Kohli in scintillating form and the team showing remarkable grit, RCB fans are hopeful that this could be the year their team finally clinches the elusive IPL title.
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