KKR hoping against odds for Virat Kohli's wicket; Watson eyes rare mistake: 'Might play an aggressive shot early'

Shane Watson reflected on the constant challenge of facing modern-day great Virat Kohli and the tactical battle it brings for opposition teams.

Updated on: May 13, 2026, 08:54:11 IST

Written by Aditya Maheshwari

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Kolkata Knight Riders assistant coach Shane Watson admitted his side will be “hoping against the odds” when it comes to dismissing Virat Kohli cheaply in their IPL clash on Wednesday. Kohli, who began the season in strong form, has recently hit a brief rough patch with back-to-back ducks, but is expected to come out all guns blazing against KKR in Raipur.

Virat Kohli registered back-to-back ducks in the last two matches. (REUTERS)

The batting mainstay has taken a more aggressive approach this season, often looking to attack early in the powerplay. While that intent has brought quick runs, it has also led to a few early dismissals when he has gone hard from the outset. KKR will be aware of the challenge his intent poses, with Watson acknowledging that breaking through Kohli early could be crucial to their chances.

Speaking ahead of the high-stakes IPL clash in Raipur, Watson reflected on the constant challenge of facing modern-day great Kohli and the tactical battle it brings for opposition teams.

“Every team has plans against Virat Kohli because he’s one of the best players in the world. But the challenge is that he knows exactly how to counter those plans as well,” Watson said in the pre-match press conference.

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The KKR coach further elaborated on the challenge of bowling to Kohli, highlighting his discipline, intensity and match-winning ability. Watson said KKR will need to be alert from the very first ball, as Kohli’s hunger and ability to take control of a game make him a constant threat at the top of the order.

"We’re hoping he might play an aggressive shot early like he did in the last game, although the chances of that are probably remote because Virat is so disciplined. He’s extraordinary. His hunger to be the best and his intensity on every single ball are still burning very brightly. We know we need to be switched on from ball one because he’s someone who can set up a match incredibly well for his team," Watson added.

Kohli eyes another 400-run plus season

Kohli is enjoying another strong season for Royal Challengers Bengaluru in IPL 2026, continuing his rich run of form at the top of the order. The former captain has already piled up 379 runs from 11 matches at an average of 42.11, striking at 163.36. While he is yet to bring up a century this season, Kohli has still been consistent, registering three half-centuries so far, with a best score of 81. His aggressive intent, combined with his ability to anchor innings, has once again made him one of RCB’s key performers in the campaign.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Aditya Maheshwari
Aditya Maheshwari is a Chief Content Producer and sports journalist with over seven years of experience covering the sports beat across formats and platforms. A cricket-first reporter by profession, he also follows football closely and considers it an integral part of his sporting journey. His work is shaped by a strong on-ground understanding of the game and an ability to translate match-day moments into clear, engaging stories that connect with readers across digital audiences. Over the years, he has developed a balanced approach that combines factual accuracy with narrative clarity, ensuring that both breaking developments and deeper insights are presented with context. Aditya has reported from the field at several major tournaments, including the ICC Cricket World Cup, the Indian Premier League, and the Indian Super League. First-hand coverage of these events has strengthened his ability to read the pulse of high-pressure contests, whether through live reporting, post-match analysis, or long-form storytelling. Working closely around teams, venues, and evolving storylines has helped him develop a strong sense of timing and editorial judgment. While cricket remains his primary focus, Aditya regularly reports on football and keeps a close watch on other sports such as tennis, hockey, and badminton. His wide-ranging interest allows him to approach stories with broader perspective, understanding how different sporting ecosystems function and evolve. Comfortable in fast-paced digital newsrooms, Aditya is well-versed in modern sports coverage, from live blogs and real-time updates to in-depth analysis and audience-focused storytelling. He believes in keeping sports writing simple, accurate, and grounded, with emphasis on clarity over complexity. At the core of his work lies a commitment to credible reporting and telling stories that go beyond the numbers on the scoreboard, highlighting the people, preparation, and pressure behind every performance.Read More

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