‘I take an L’ – Ian Bishop apologises for saying Virat Kohli took ‘just’ 39 balls for fifty
Ian Bishop apologised on social media for saying Virat Kohli took “just” 39 balls to reach his fifty against Rajasthan Royals.
Against Rajasthan Royals at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium on April 6, RCB’s Virat Kohli took 39 balls to reach his fifty. He later took 67 balls to bring up his hundred en route to 113 not out in 72 balls.
Kohli’s hundred was the joint-slowest in IPL history, while only Brendon McCullum (2008) and Manish Pandey (2009) have played longer innings. Kohli’s approach divided social media users.
While some criticised the strike rate over an innings of that duration, some others pointed out the significance of the role of the anchor, given the collective failure of the RCB top order and upper middle order this season.
On air, Ian Bishop had lauded Kohli for taking “just 39 balls” to bring up his fifty. The comment drew criticism from a social media user, who tagged the commentator in his post on X (formerly Twitter).
“I take an ‘L’ on that one,” responded Bishop, admitting to his fault. “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.” He signed off with an apology.
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
With eight points from four games, the undefeated Rajasthan are now at the top of the points table. Bengaluru, on the other hand, have two from five matches. Now eighth in the league, they are ahead of Delhi Capitals (who have played a game fewer) on net run rate, and Mumbai Indians, who are winless but have two games in hand. Mumbai will host Delhi for the next match.
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