Out-of-form Virat Kohli has a strategy to drown out critics – mute the TV

Virat Kohli has endured an extended batting slump for Royal Challengers Bangalore in IPL 2022

Out-of-form Virat Kohli says that he has a sure-fire way of drowning out his growing number of critics -- he just mutes the television.

The 33-year-old former India skipper has endured an extended batting slump for Royal Challengers Bangalore in the Indian Premier League and fell for his third golden duck of the season on Sunday.

Commentators have said that the usually prolific batsman looks "overcooked" and needs a break, but in a mostly light-hearted video on Bangalore's website Kohli said that he has learnt to drown out those who criticise him.

"They can't be in my shoes, they can't feel what I feel, they can't live my life, they can't live those moments," Kohli said of analysts attempting to write him off.

"How do you cut out the noise? You either mute the TV or don't listen to or pay attention to what people are saying. I do both of these things."

Interview of the year! Catch Virat Kohli in a relaxed, honest and fun avatar, even as Mr. Nags tries to annoy him just like he’s done over the years.

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Tell us what the best moment from this interview was for you, in the comments section. #PlayBold #IPL2022 #RCB # pic.twitter.com/vV6MyRDyRt

— Royal Challengers Bangalore (@RCBTweets) May 11, 2022

The host of the video joked that Kohli has two ducks, a reference to how the batsman got out twice in a row to first balls earlier this season.

"It hasn't happened to me ever in my career, I think. I have seen everything now. It's been so long, I have seen everything in this game," Kohli said with a grin.

Kohli has now failed to score a century in more than 100 matches in all formats.

He has managed just 216 runs from 12 games in the IPL this season, scoring one half-century.

Still hoping to win a maiden IPL trophy with Bangalore, the team he captained between 2013 and 2021, Kohli spoke fondly about South African great and former IPL teammate AB de Villiers.

"Miss him a lot. I speak to him regularly, quite regularly," said Kohli.

"He keeps messaging me... we stay in touch, he is very keenly obviously watching RCB and hopefully here next year in some capacity."

South Africa's Faf du Plessis took over as Bangalore captain this season and they are currently fourth in the 10-team Twenty20 tournament and in the running for a playoff spot.