The 2024 IPL edition proved to be a rollercoaster ride for a number of teams, especially the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). Although the three-time finalists were knocked out in the Eliminator, they made a stunning comeback to reach there in the first place.
RCB were down and out having won just one of their opening eight games, but then on to win six games on the trot to make it to the playoffs. Their talisman Virat Kohli led the team from the front, despite the criticism he faced from a number of cricket pundits.
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Kohli took the IPL by storm this year, scoring over 700 runs and winning the Orange Cap. Kohli played some crucial knocks in RCB 2024 IPL journey and was a key in getting good starts for the team alongside the skipper Faf du Plessis.
Veteran keeper Dinesh Karthik gave some insights about how Virat Kohli operates on the field, how he lifts the morale of the team and what has been his mantra for success in the 17th edition of the IPL.
| Matches | Runs | Average | SR | HS |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 15 | 741 | 61.75 | 154.70 | 113* |
What did Dinesh Karthik say about Virat Kohli?
On a show with Cricbuzz, Karthik revealed how the criticism fuels Kohli’s motivation to put in the extra effort. Simon Doull, who was also present on the show, was one of the pundits to criticize Kohli over his strike-rate during the initial stages of this season’s IPL.
"I can write a book about how he was this year. He started okay but thanks to people like Simon (Doull) and a few others, they really spurred him on. And you don’t want to see that side of Virat Kohli. I think he thrives on that. He is someone who inadvertently holds on to certain things." Karthik said.
“He loves proving people wrong, and even though he wouldn’t come out and really say it, it fuels his passion and he’s like molten lava coming out. He’s fiery and you don’t want to be anywhere close to it because you’re going to get burnt for sure because he’s done it time and time again,” he added.
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What next for Virat Kohli?
The former RCB captain will now be joining the Indian contingent for the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup in the USA and the West Indies. Kohli’s form could be a key in determining India’s success in the major event. Kohli’s record at the T20 World Cups has also been stunning, as the 35-year-old is the all time top-scorer of the prestigious tournament.
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| Matches | Runs | Average | SR | HS |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 25 | 1141 | 81.50 | 131.30 | 89* |
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