On the 16th anniversary of his international debut, former Indian captain Virat Kohli surprised fans by revealing that Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) is his favorite rival in the Indian Premier League (IPL). This announcement comes shortly after Kohli’s retirement from T20 internationals, marking the end of an illustrious T20I career, which culminated in leading India to a historic victory in the T20 World Cup 2024.
Kohli’s Choice of Rival
Kohli, who has been the face of Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) since the IPL’s inception in 2008, named KKR as his most cherished adversary in the league. Over the years, the battles between RCB and KKR have produced some of the most thrilling encounters in IPL history, from high-scoring chases to dramatic last-over finishes. Kohli’s decision to highlight KKR as his favorite rival underlines the respect and intensity that has characterized these matches.
Kohli’s preference for KKR as RCB’s top rival might come as a surprise to some, given the longstanding rivalry between RCB and Mumbai Indians (MI). However, Kohli’s admiration for KKR seems to stem from the high-pressure games and the nail-biting finishes that have often defined their encounters.
Retirement from T20 Internationals
Kohli announced his retirement from T20 internationals immediately after India’s triumphant T20 World Cup campaign, where they defeated England in a thrilling final. His decision to step away from the shortest format of the game has left a significant void in the Indian lineup, as Kohli has been one of the most consistent performers in T20 cricket globally.
During his T20I career, Kohli amassed over 4,000 runs at an average of 50, with a strike rate hovering around 140. His ability to anchor the innings while accelerating the scoring rate when required made him a vital asset for India. His leadership was instrumental in India’s T20 World Cup victory, which ended a 17-year wait for the title.
Looking Ahead: Test Series Against Bangladesh
Kohli is currently taking a break with his family after a tough ODI series against Sri Lanka, where India was handed a 2-0 defeat. However, he is set to return to the cricket field soon, as India prepares to take on Bangladesh in a two-Test series starting on September 19, 2024. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is yet to announce the squad, but Kohli’s inclusion is almost certain, given his form and experience.
Following the Bangladesh series, India will host New Zealand for another Test series, where Kohli will once again be at the forefront of India’s batting lineup. With the World Test Championship (WTC) points at stake, Kohli’s performance will be crucial in determining India’s standing in the WTC table.
Gautam Gambhir’s Praise for Kohli
Kohli’s former teammate and current Indian head coach Gautam Gambhir heaped praise on Kohli, recalling his debut match against Sri Lanka in 2008. Gambhir, who has seen Kohli’s evolution from a young, talented cricketer to one of the greatest batsmen of the modern era, spoke highly of his temperament, work ethic, and match-winning abilities.
“When Virat made his debut in Sri Lanka, I knew he had the potential to serve Indian cricket for a long time,” Gambhir said in an interview. “His attitude and determination were evident from the start. He wasn’t just talented; he knew how to fight and win matches for India, which became the hallmark of his career.”
Legacy in T20Is and IPL
Kohli’s retirement from T20Is marks the end of a significant chapter in Indian cricket. His journey in the IPL, however, continues, with fans eagerly waiting to see him don the RCB jersey again in the upcoming season. Kohli’s battles with KKR, his favorite rival, will now carry even more significance, as he seeks to lead RCB to their maiden IPL title.
Stay updated with all the cricketing action, follow Cricadium on WhatsApp, Facebook, Twitter, Telegram and Instagram
