Don't mess around with the pop: Ravi Shastri reacts to Virat Kohli's match-winning 73 vs GT

IPL 2022, RCB vs GT: Fomrer India head coach Ravi Shastri said Virat Kohli will be dangerous if RCB manage to sneak into the playoffs, heaping praise on the star batter's knock against Gujarat Titans on Thursday.

Former India head coach Ravi Shastri said Virat Kohli has announced to the world that he is back with the match-winning knock for Royal Challengers Bangalore against Gujarat Titans in their IPL 2022 meeting on Thursday. Kohli hit a fifty off just 33 balls and finished with 73 as RCB won 2 crucial points to keep their playoffs hopes alive.

Virat Kohli had headed into RCB's final league game under considerable pressure as the former captain had struggled to get going, managing just 236 runs in 13 matches at an average of less than 20. RCB were set a target of 169 on what looked a tricky pitch for batters. However, Kohli brought back glimpses of his vintage self, sending the Wankhede Stadium crowd in a tizzy.

Kohli was pumped up as he egged himself on to make the most of a good start. He looked more proactive than before in the ongoing season and even took the attack to leg-spinner Rashid Khan, hitting two sixes against him. Kohli got to his fifty in just 33 balls and finished with 73 from 54 balls, helping build a solid foundation for RCB. He added 115 runs with captain Faf du Plessis as the experienced pair brought up its first 100-run stand of the season.

Kohli kissed his gloves and looked up to the night sky with a sense of relief after getting to his fifty. He was at his animated best on Thursday, punching the air in delight and firing up his partner du Plessis every time when they managed a boundary.

Adding that Kohli will be at his best if RCB make the playoffs, Shastri said Kohli has answered all the criticism about him with his performance on Thursday.

"The pop is in the house and he's announced it to the world, and he's there in the playoffs- if they qualify, and if there's a problem with Delhi Capitals- then wait and watch, It's an announcement not to the critics- it's to the world- don't mess around with the pop. When there's class, respect class and it will teach all the kids how to play," Shastri told ESPNCricinfo.

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