Former Indian Test opener Aakash Chopra has lavished praise on Virat Kohli after RCB registered a comprehensive six-wicket win against Sunrisers Hyderabad to begin their campaign on a high on Saturday. Kohli scored a brilliant knock of 69 runs off just 38 balls in the run chase of 202.

The veteran batter scored five fours and as many sixes in his match-winning knock. Kohli added 101 runs off just 45 balls with Devdutt Padikkal, who scored the lion’s share of the runs in the partnership. 

“The defending champions have started the season with a win, where the chase master was there. 31st March is approaching, and you need to chase targets. They did that easily and the guy was present at the end. He hit a six and then three consecutive fours,” Chopra said on his YouTube Channel.

“There is a star after his name and he is a superstar. He finishes the match. He keeps his ego aside. He finished the match with sixes and fours in the end, but was very happy to play second fiddle also,” he added.

Chopra also praised Devdutt Padikkal, who was able to get off the blocks as he smashed a first-ball six. Padikkal scored an outstanding knock of 61 runs off just 26 balls as he batted at the top of his game.

“They played Devdutt Padikkal. Since this was the first match, whoever you played would have to be played for a long time. He was coming with such good form and scored runs last year. They ignored Venkatesh Iyer’s tempting option and Devdutt Padikkal batted beautifully. He hit a six off the first ball and kept batting better and better after that,” he said.

Furthermore, RCB skipper Rajat Patidar scored a little cameo of 31 runs off just 12 balls in the run-chase.

“Rajat Patidar came absolutely smashing. Don’t bowl full to Rajat Patidar. Bowl fast and short to him. If he hits the short balls, no issues, but if you bowl full, you should blame yourself only,” Chopra observed.

RCB will next take on Chennai Super Kings at the M.Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru, on April 5.