IPL 2024, CSK vs RCB: Virat Kohli's animated send-off to Rachin ...

Virat Kohli was back at it. The Royal Challengers Bengaluru star was lively on the field on his return to competitive action even as the former finalists went down in a one-sided contest to defending champions Chennai Super Kings on Friday. Kohli was at his animated best on the field as he was trying to lift the mood in the middle after a middling batting show from the visiting team at the MA Chidambaram Stadium.

The television cameras captured Virat Kohli at his aggressive best on the field as he was seen giving an expletive-laden send-off to Chennai Super KIngs opener Rachin Ravindra. Kohli, who was fielding in the deep, was relieved when Rachin got out as the young opener, who was on debut in the IPL, tore into the Royal Challengers Bengaluru bowling line-up, making Chennai's chase of 174 look easy. Kohli was pumped up before joining the celebration at the fall of the wicket in the middle. IPL 2024: CSK vs RCB Scorecard | Highlights

Rachin Ravindra dealt a decisive blow with the bat as the young New Zealand all-rounder, who was bought for just Rs 1.8 crore at the auction, hit a 15-ball 37, striking 3 sixes and as many boundaries after taking two stunning catches on the field.

One of the catches taken by Rachin Ravindra was a fine relay effort with Ajinkya Rahane that saw the end of Virat Kohlli's knock on Friday.

On the other hand, Virat Kohli looked rusty on his return to competitive cricket for the first time since January. Kohli was not able to get going against the Chennai bowlers in the powerplay and struggled to hold one end when the visitors lost an array of wickets, going from 41 for 0 to 72 for 5. Kohli was undone by a Mustafizur Rahman bouncer in the 12th over of the RCB innings. The former captain managed just 21 from 20 balls in the IPL 2024 opener.

Anuj Rawat's 48 and Dinesh Karthik's 38 lifted Bengaluru to 173, but a 95-run stand for the 5th wicket was not enough as Super Kings chased the target down in just 18.4 overs.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Virat Kohli will look for a better show when they host Punjab Kings in their next game in Bengaluru on Monday, March 25.