Virat Kohli: The Unshakable Pillar of RCB, Declares AB de Villiers
In a passionate outburst of support, former Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) star AB de Villiers has thrown his weight behind teammate Virat Kohli, silencing critics who dared to question Kohli’s intent and strike rate in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023. With Kohli in scintillating form, de Villiers’ words resonate as a powerful reminder of the talisman’s indelible impact on the franchise.
Kohli, who has been a cornerstone for RCB since the IPL’s inception in 2008, has once again proven his mettle this season. The batting maestro has amassed 505 runs in 11 innings, boasting an impressive strike rate of 143.47. This remarkable tally sees him leading the race for the coveted Orange Cap and marks the eighth time in IPL history that Kohli has surpassed the 500-run milestone in a single season—a record unmatched by any other player.
In a heartfelt video shared on his Instagram, de Villiers didn’t hold back. “Virat is always there. He is Mr. Safety for RCB,” he proclaimed with unwavering conviction. “When he is there, you don’t have to fear. Never fear when Virat is near. That is the story.” His words paint Kohli as the ultimate safeguard, a player whose presence at the crease instills unshakable confidence in the team and its legion of fans.
De Villiers also took a sharp jab at media critics who had previously labeled Kohli’s batting as too slow. With a smirk, he added, “To all my journalist friends out there, I love you guys. But remember when you said Virat bats too slow? Virat was there batting at almost a 200 strike rate last night. Eat that.” This fiery retort was a direct reference to Kohli’s explosive performance in a recent match, where he showcased his adaptability and silenced doubters with sheer aggression.
The backdrop to de Villiers’ comments stems from earlier criticism by former Indian openers Virender Sehwag and Sunil Gavaskar. The duo had scrutinized Kohli for his 47-ball 51 against Delhi Capitals—a knock that tied the record for the slowest half-century in IPL history—suggesting he failed to accelerate post-milestone. However, Kohli answered his critics in style, smashing a blistering 33-ball 62 against Chennai Super Kings in the very next game, reaffirming his ability to shift gears at will.
As the IPL 2023 season progresses, Kohli’s form remains a beacon of hope for RCB, a team yet to clinch the elusive IPL title despite reaching the finals thrice. With 7,263 runs in his IPL career, Kohli is the tournament’s all-time leading run-scorer, and his consistency continues to inspire. Off the field, his leadership—having captained RCB for nine seasons—and fiery passion for the game make him a fan favorite worldwide.
In wrapping up, it’s clear that AB de Villiers’ spirited defense of Virat Kohli is more than just camaraderie; it’s a testament to Kohli’s enduring legacy in the cricketing world. Critics may come and go, but as de Villiers aptly put it, when Virat is near, there’s truly nothing to fear. As RCB pushes forward in their quest for glory, Kohli remains their unbeatable armor, a symbol of resilience, and the heart of a franchise dreaming big.