Amid Backlash Over "Kohli" Remark On Air, WI Great's "I Take An L" Reply

Former West Indies pacer Ian Bishop was on the receiving end of some harsh criticism from fans after he praised Royal Challengers Bengaluru *(RCB) icon Virat Kohli for his sluggish knock vs Rajasthan Royals in the Indian Premier League (IPL) on Saturday. Kohli completed his half-century in 39 balls, while he reached triple figures in 67 balls. Kohli's ton was the joint-slowest in the history of the IPL, alongside former RCB batter Manish Pandey. 

"Bish says on air kohli completed his fifty in just 39 balls. You disappointed me @irbishi," a fan wrote in a post, tagging Bishop in the same.

However, the cricketer-turned-commentator apologised to the fans for his choice of words.

"I take an "L" on that one. I am very aware of what T20 batting entails, and my insertion of that word was inaccurate. My choice of words and language in keeping with the format of the game needs to be more accurate and it will be going forward. Apologies," Bishop responded.

I take an "L" on that one. I am very aware of what T20 batting entails, and my insertion of that word was inaccurate. My choice of words and language in keeping with the format of the game needs to be more accurate and it will be going forward. Apologies. — Ian Raphael Bishop (@irbishi) April 6, 2024

Kohli fought a lone battle for RCB, scoring an unbeaten 113 off 72 balls. Barring Faf du Plessis, no other batter breach the 10-run mark.

Kohli's effort, however, was not enough as inaugural champions RR remained unbeaten in the season with four wins as they took top spot in the 10-team table, ahead of second-placed Kolkata Knight Riders who have three wins in as many matches.

Jos Buttler hit an unbeaten 100 to trump Kohli's sloppy century as RR chased the target with five balls to spare.

Kohli, however, consolidated his position at the top of this year's batting chart with 316 runs in five matches.

The 35-year-old is still awaiting his first IPL title with Bengaluru.

"I don't want to be over-aggressive, want to keep the bowler guessing. They want me to go hard and get me out," Kohli said.

"It's just experience and maturity. I play the conditions and have the game ready."

(With AFP Inputs)