Royal Challengers Bangalore and India star batsman Virat Kohli finally ended his run of low scores by hitting a sedate fifty against Gujarat Titans in IPL 2022 on Saturday.
The form of Kohli has been a huge concern for the franchise and the national team. He took his first steps towards a return to form at the Brabourne Stadium in Mumbai, scoring 58 from 53 balls opening the innings.
The former captain hit six fours and a six before he was bowled by a Mohammed Shami yorker, denying him a chance to make up for the deliveries he had consumed to reach his fifty.
Still, his innings helped Bangalore post a decent 170-6 against table toppers Gujarat in sweltering conditions, watched by Kohli's wife and Bollywood star Anushka Sharma.
But it was not enough for Bangalore, as Titans reached their total with three balls to spare, Rahul Tewatia top scoring with 43.
Earlier, Rajat Patidar provided the impetus with a 32-ball 52 for Bangalore before Glenn Maxwell smashed 33 from 18 balls.
Bangalore captain Faf du Plessis decided to bat first as temperatures soared across the subcontinent.
Millions have sweltered through furnace-like heat across India and Pakistan, with cities in both countries enduring power and water shortages.
Temperatures are cooler in Mumbai but Du Plessis said the heat was still an important consideration.
"We are going to break the trend and have a bat first," said Du Plessis.
"Obviously it is a day game, heat is one factor and I find that when you field first the boys are cooked by the time it is our turn to bat."
