It must have been another noisy, red and gold night at Wankhede. And as the mob died down, however, the talk was no longer of the victory, but of one man going away, a little hesitant.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru did most things right against Mumbai Indians. They swung calmly, discovered spurts of speed when needed, and were up to a certain discipline in defense, which closed a decisive score. Nevertheless, in between the two stages, Virat Kohli did not look like himself. Not quite free, not quite comfortable.
You could feel it even in the press box. Kohli did get his fifty–a new one in what has been a steady season–but the beat was changed. Less flowing drives, more checks. At intervals between overs he looked at his foot, and changed his position. Classic Kohli, indeed–so to push. However, when he had at last holed out he sniffed a little impatience, and shook his head as he trudged back.
The innings in and of itself did not fall apart. Indeed, it was growing silently. There came contributions in various directions–no one detonation, but gradual overlaying. The middle overs, particularly, were of that sort. Here and there a clean strike, here and there a running strike, the misfield here and there, and all of a sudden the aggregate was more than competitive. Mumbai Indians, who were in pursuit under lights at Wankhede, were never going soft. But RCB had allowed themselves a leeway.
and then began that which changed the mood.
Kohli didn’t walk out to field.
In the beginning, it was as though it were a delay. Perhaps, he was merely getting some treatment. But as the overs rolled on it became apparent–this was precaution, or at least that was the appearance. He was replaced by a substitute and the whispers started. Problem with ankle, I heard. Nothing big, another added. Nevertheless, you might sense the discomfort spread over the stands.
To their credit, RCB did not allow it to get them in the field. The bowlers were following their plans, the fielders were alert. Mumbai had their moments–there were one or two volleys which made the crowd jump to life, a moment when the game went against them–but RCB continued to draw it back. A wicket here and a tight over there. And hands on hips, quick word with the overs, laid-back gestures on the part of Rajat Patidar. It was not gaudy, simply regulated.
It was almost inevitable by the time the last overs came in. RCB finished it off in a matter-of-course fashion, another victory in the books. Handshakes, some smiles, some weary applause between the teammates. Business done.
And still, in that instance, the eyes were wandering back to the dugout.
What does Kohli and RCB do next?
Patidar maintained it after the match. Something serious, I suppose, more precaution than anything, he suggested. The type of line captains employ in instances where they do not want panic to prevail. It assists, yet not all.
It is not merely about numbers with Kohli. Yes, RCB did demonstrate that they do not have to have him overpower them. That’s important in a long tournament. Sharing responsibility by having different players step up- it is what good teams do. But Kohli’s presence? That is another thing altogether. The vitality, the power, the manner in which he puts the tone on ball one. it sticks even when he is not scoring huge.
CBT will be confident heading into the future as RCB. A skillful batting, a calm chase defense–checks in the right places. But with that, there will be silent surveillance. Schooling, physio, perhaps even a light load a few days.
The momentum in the IPL can develop fast. And soon as fast it can be wobbled.
So far it is a victory. A good one. But a night, too, which keeps you on your toes–not merely the score board, but the little signs. How Kohli walks out in future. The manner in which he switches overs.
Very well, that speaks volumes more than the runs ever will.