IPL 2018: How has Virat Kohli performed as RCB's captain?
What's the story
There is no doubt that Virat Kohli is an inspirational figure. He is not just one of the best batsmen but is also a dynamic leader. Kohli has been successful as the captain of Team India, but the same can't be said about RCB. RCB are languishing at the bottom with a slight hope of qualifying for the play-offs. Here we decode Kohli's captaincy.
Not his usual best
Are RCB struggling because of poor captaincy?
In hindsight, RCB didn't use the optimal strategy at the auction this season. It is one of the reasons why they have been struggling. However, it's not just that, Kohli's captaincy has also been below par this term. The RCB skipper has made some bizarre decisions in matches which have also led to the downfall of the Royal Challengers.
Not well planned
No strike bowlers during death overs
Umesh and Chahal have been Kohli's premier bowlers this season. However, despite knowing that his team struggles at the death, Umesh and Chahal's spells have been finished much ahead of the death overs. There have been times when Kohli has not exhausted Chahal's quota and handed the ball to the likes of Corey Anderson, who has been the most expensive bowler for RCB.
Wrong choice
Corey Anderson at the death
Corey Anderson has been sent on a leather hunt by batsmen this season, but that has not been a cause for concern for Kohli. His economy-rate has been 13.26 but Kohli has some faith in this lad. He has opted to hand the ball to him at the death despite having others at his disposal. Anderson has bowled the final over in 3 matches.
Sparingly used
Sidelining Washington Sundar
Washington Sundar has been used sparingly by Kohli this season. The all-rounder hardly got enough opportunities to bowl. Against Chennai Super Kings, when Umesh and Chahal had finished their quota, Sundar was surprisingly given just one over and the death over bowling responsibilities were handed over to Corey Anderson. Dhoni was struggling against spin at that time and Sundar could have weaved his magic.
Information
Kohli's field placement has been questionable
In T20, field placement plays an important role and even in this regard, Kohli hasn't been effective. For instance, in the match against KKR, the RCB skipper failed to stop Chris Lynn from scoring off the same sweep shot for as many as 10 deliveries.