Virat Kohli, the legendary Indian cricketer, has stirred pleasure amongst followers by naming the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) as his favorite rival within the Indian Premier League (IPL), shocking many who anticipated him to decide on the Mumbai Indians (MI). This revelation got here throughout a rapid-fire phase in a particular interview celebrating his 16-year journey in worldwide cricket.
Virat Kohli’s favorite IPL rivals
In a current interplay with Star Sports activities, Kohli was requested to choose his favorite IPL rival between the 2 most profitable franchises within the league’s historical past: KKR and MI. To the astonishment of many, he opted for KKR, owned by Bollywood celebrity Shahrukh Khan. Kohli’s selection highlights the extraordinary rivalry between the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), the place he has performed for the reason that league’s inception in 2008, and KKR, which has been a formidable opponent over time.
Kohli acknowledged, “I’d say KKR,” indicating his respect for the franchise and its aggressive spirit.
The rivalry between RCB and KKR has been marked by thrilling encounters, with Kohli himself having confronted KKR 34 occasions, scoring 962 runs in opposition to them, together with one century and 6 half-centuries. In distinction, his file in opposition to MI contains 855 runs in 33 matches, with 5 half-centuries. This statistical backdrop provides depth to Kohli’s choice, as KKR has usually offered him with memorable battles on the sector.
Celebrating 16 wonderful years of Virat Kohli in worldwide cricket!
Be a part of us, as we ask @imVkohli about his favourite cricketer, TV present, singer, and 16 different thrilling questions in a enjoyable, rapid-fire spherical to have fun #16YearsOfVirat! #KingKohli #16YearsOfVirat #ViratKohli pic.twitter.com/S8kJ0x61ws
— Star Sports activities (@StarSportsIndia) August 18, 2024
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Kohli celebrating a milestone
Kohli’s revelation comes as he celebrates a major milestone in his profession. On August 18, 2024, he marked 16 years since his debut in worldwide cricket. This era has been full of outstanding achievements, together with being the all-time main run-scorer within the IPL, with over 8,000 runs to his title. His journey with RCB has been a rollercoaster, characterised by private accolades however a persistent quest for the elusive IPL trophy, which has remained out of attain regardless of reaching the finals thrice.
In the course of the interview, Kohli additionally mirrored on his favorite cricketing moments and shared insights into his life past cricket. He expressed fondness for the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, additional emphasizing his deep reference to RCB and their followers.
As Kohli enjoys this celebratory part, he’s additionally gearing up for the upcoming Take a look at sequence in opposition to Bangladesh, beginning September 19, 2024. The Board of Management for Cricket in India (BCCI) is but to announce the squad for this two-match sequence. Following the Bangladesh sequence, India will host New Zealand for one more Take a look at sequence, marking a busy schedule forward for Kohli and the nationwide staff.
Because the cricketing world awaits Kohli’s return to worldwide motion, followers will probably be eager to see how this rivalry unfolds in future IPL seasons, particularly with Kohli’s continued affiliation with RCB, the place he’s anticipated to be retained forward of the IPL 2025 mega public sale.
