The Indian cricketer Virat Kohli kicked off the new IPL season with a bang, delivering a match-winning performance for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH).
Coming off RCB's historic first ever IPL title win last season, Virat Kohli looks fully focused on continuing that momentum and leading the team's title defence.
What makes his performance even more impressive is the fact that he entered the tournament with very little preparation. After India's last ODI assignment in January, Virat Kohli took a break and spent significant time in London with his family, staying away from the spotlight back home. Despite the lack of match practice, there were no signs of rust in his game, once again highlighting his experience and consistency.
However, his extended stay in London didn't go unnoticed. Some fans on social media questioned his decision, sparking debate. Virat Kohli, though, handled it in his usual relaxed style. During a fun interaction with Danish Sait in his popular Mr Nags avatar, he laughed off the criticism. When jokingly asked if he was being treated like an overseas player, Kohli replied, 'I don't know, why are you asking me? Ask the overseas players. I am not an overseas player. Am I an overseas player?'
Here is the video clip:
Looking back at RCB's long-awaited IPL triumph, Virat Kohli opened up about the emotional impact of finally winning after years of effort. He said that the victory made everything feel lighter, describing it as the moment when the 'monkey was finally off the back'.
He also reflected on what winning truly means after years of hard work and sacrifice. According to Virat Kohli, victory is the result of dedication, commitment and perseverance. While losses can teach valuable lessons, they can also be discouraging. Winning, however, brings a sense of justice to the effort put in and motivates players to push even harder.