Top 5 run-outs of IPL 2024 ft. Virat Kohli vs PBKS
In a fast-paced T20 format, the aspect of fielding is often underestimated but holds significance in a game of fine margin. Every run saved by the fielder is crucial for the teams, with the majority of the games being closely contested.
Let's shed light on the best of the players' efforts in IPL 2024 in securing a breakthrough by running out the batters. Let's take a look at the top five run-outs:
#5 MS Dhoni vs RCB
The inaugural game of IPL 2024 saw Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) face Chennai Super Kings (CSK). After a decent start from the openers, Dinesh Karthik and Anuj Rawat did the hardwork of stitching a hefty partnership to help RCB post a decent total.
On the last ball of the innings, Karthik (38*) failed to make a connection with a widish ball, as he and Rawat tried to steal a quick single. However, Dhoni was well prepared to throw the ball accurately and run out Rawat (48) at the striker's end.
As a result, RCB ended on 173, and the Super Kings went on to chase down the score in the 19th over.
#4 Virat Kohli vs GT
In a clash between RCB and Gujarat Titans (GT), the latter were off to a bad start, losing three wickets in the powerplay overs. However, Shahrukh Khan and David Miller (30) stitched a crucial 61-run stand.
In the 13th over, Rahul Tewatia nudged the ball for a single, but Virat Kohli's pace to get to the ball unsettled the duo, while Shahrukh was already halfway down the pitch. Kohli found the non-striker's stump, and Shahrukh (37) couldn't reach the crease on time.
Kohli's effort helped RCB to restrict GT to 147 and seal the chase under 14 overs.
#3 Ravi Bishnoi vs MI
The fielding skills of wily spinner Ravi Bishnoi were on display during the Lucknow Super Giants' (LSG) match-up against Mumbai Indians (MI). Already two down in the first three overs, Mumbai were under pressure.
In the sixth over, Naveen-ul-Haq's delivery ruffled Tilak Varma's pads, who was unaware of the ball's direction. Standing at point, Bishnoi picked up the ball to get a direct hit and send Varma (7) packing.
LSG had posted a respectable 144, which wasn't enough as MI chased it down in the last over.
#2 Nicholas Pooran vs RCB
Riding on an impressive knock of 81 off 56 balls from Quinton de Kock, LSG posted a strong total of 181 against RCB. In response, the Bengaluru-based franchise couldn't gather momentum throughout the innings.
The 18th over saw Mahipal Lomror top-edging a slower ball from Yash Thakur as Nicholas Pooran collected the ball in the long-off region. Mayank Dagar tried to take a quick double, but Lomror refused.
However, Dagar (0) had gone too far ahead, and Pooran's accurate direct throw ran him out. In the end, LSG secured a victory by 28 runs.
#1 Virat Kohli vs PBKS
One of the finest fielders in world cricket, Virat Kohli gave many moments to savour to his fans in a game against Punjab Kings. In the first half, Kohli smoked 92 off 47 balls to boost RCB to a mammoth 241.
Then, in the 14th over of Punjab's innings, Sam Curran attempted to steal a double towards the mid-wicket region. However, Kohli ran quite a distance from the deep to gather the ball and throw it with precision and affected a direct-hit run-out to send Shashank Singh back to the dugout.
The run-out was crucial, as Singh was going all guns blazing with a knock of 37 off 19. However, with this wicket, Punjab were all-out for 181 and lost the game by 60 runs.