Virat Kohli, the heartbeat of Indian cricket, continues to dominate conversations as Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) gears up for IPL 2024. Despite his retirement from Test cricket, where he scored a staggering 9,230 runs in 123 Tests with 30 centuries, Kohli remains as driven as ever. RCB Team Director Mo Bobat, speaking at a pre-match press conference in Bengaluru on Friday, shared insights into the maestro’s mindset and reflected on a defining chapter of his career—the 2018 England Test series.
Bobat emphasized Kohli’s unwavering commitment to RCB’s ambitions for the ongoing IPL season. ‘Virat is business as usual, as he always has been. He’s aware of the immense attention he gets from the public and the nation, but his focus remains clear. He’s ambitious about what we can achieve this year with RCB, and that’s his priority,’ Bobat stated. This dedication, according to Bobat, is a testament to Kohli’s hunger for success, even after stepping away from the longest format of the game.
Reflecting on Kohli’s illustrious Test career, Bobat couldn’t hide his admiration. ‘He should be incredibly proud of his contributions as a Test player for India. As a franchise, we at RCB take immense pride in what our players achieve for the country, and especially Virat. To play over 120 Test matches and score nearly 10,000 runs is extraordinary. As a captain, with a win percentage of around 60%, his leadership record speaks for itself,’ he remarked. Kohli’s captaincy saw India scale new heights, including a historic Test series win in Australia in 2018-19.
Turning to personal memories, Bobat, who previously worked within the English cricket system, vividly recalled Kohli as the batter every opposition dreaded. ‘From my time in the English setup, I can say he was the player you never wanted to face. He was always the batter you wanted out quickly. Whether he was waiting in the pavilion or at the crease, you knew you were in for a tough battle,’ Bobat admitted. His words underline Kohli’s aura as a game-changer, a reputation cemented during the 2018 England tour where he amassed 593 runs in five Tests at an average of nearly 60.
One moment from that series remains etched in Bobat’s memory—the epic showdown between Kohli and England’s pace spearhead Jimmy Anderson during the first Test at Edgbaston. ‘I’ll never forget watching Virat and Jimmy battle it out like two gladiators. Jimmy must have bowled nine overs on the trot, and it was a spectacle of two of the world’s best going head-to-head. That’s what Virat embodies—those special, inspiring moments that define cricket,’ Bobat reminisced. Kohli’s grit in that series silenced critics who doubted his ability against swing bowling, as he scored a match-defining 149 in the first Test, setting the tone for India’s campaign.
Looking ahead to IPL 2024, Bobat is confident that the fans at Chinnaswamy Stadium will continue to shower Kohli with love. ‘I’m sure the fans will show him immense support this week when they see him back in action. He’s been in touch with a few of us over the last few weeks, and as always, he’s crystal clear about his goals,’ he added. Regarding social media trends urging fans to wear white jerseys as a tribute to Kohli’s Test career, Bobat downplayed its impact on the team. ‘We haven’t dwelled on it much. I’ve noticed the chatter among fans, but it won’t affect our focus on the field,’ he clarified.
In closing, as RCB prepares to chase IPL glory, Kohli’s legacy as a fierce competitor and an icon of Indian cricket remains undeniable. From terrorizing bowlers in England to inspiring a generation, his journey continues to captivate fans worldwide. With IPL 2024 on the horizon, all eyes will be on whether Kohli can lead RCB to their maiden title, adding yet another chapter to his storied career.