Former England cricketer Kevin Pietersen has lately urged Virat Kohli, the legendary participant of Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), to ponder a transfer to a unique franchise in his pursuit of claiming his elusive Indian Premier League (IPL) title.
RCB’s IPL 2024 exit: Virat Kohli’s seek for elusive title continues
Pietersen’s name comes after RCB’s defeat to Rajasthan Royals (RR) within the IPL 2024 Eliminator, marking the seventeenth season because the league’s inception that RCB has didn’t clinch the championship. Regardless of Kohli’s distinctive efficiency all through the season, together with main the run-scoring charts with 741 runs, RCB fell wanting their final objective as soon as once more.
Kohli massed 741 runs from 15 T20s, his second greatest outing within the IPL after 2016 when he scored a report 973 runs however nonetheless couldn’t take RCB to the title. Kohli bought off to a terrific begin within the Eliminator however was dismissed by former RCB spinner Yuzvendra Chahal for 33 off 24 deliveries. After Kohli’s departure, RCB may solely muster 172/8 of their 20 overs and RR accomplished the chase in 19 overs and received the high-stakes battle by 4 wickets.
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Kevin Pietersen’s plea
Within the aftermath of RCB’s exit from IPL 2024, Pietersen has advocated for Kohli to ponder a change of surroundings in pursuit of his maiden IPL title. Pietersen drew parallels with iconic footballers like David Beckham, Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, who departed their childhood golf equipment in quest of success elsewhere. Pietersen particularly steered that Kohli take into account a transfer to the Delhi Capitals (DC), citing his roots within the metropolis.
“I’ve stated it earlier than and I’ll say it once more — the greats of the sport in different sports activities, have left groups to go and search glory some place else. When he has tried and tried so onerous — received the Orange Cap but once more and achieved a lot but once more and the franchise fails once more. I perceive for the model of the workforce and the industrial worth he brings to the workforce… However Virat Kohli deserves a trophy. He deserves to play in a workforce that would assist him to get that trophy,” Pietersen was quoted as saying by the Occasions of India.
“I truly suppose it ought to be Delhi. Delhi is the place the place Virat must go. Virat can go away, and keep at residence more often than not, I do know he has a house in Delhi. He has a younger household. He can spend extra time there. He’s a Delhi boy. Why can’t he return? Delhi are as determined as Bengaluru. I believe it’s about time Virat thought lengthy and onerous. Beckham left, Ronaldo left, Messi left, Harry Kane simply left Spurs and went to Bayern Munich,” the 43-year-old concluded.
Kohli’s IPL legacy with RCB
Kohli’s affiliation with the RCB franchise dates again to the inaugural version of the IPL in 2008, and he assumed management duties in 2013. All through his tenure, Kohli has been an epitome of loyalty, having performed all IPL seasons for RCB, captaining the aspect in 140 matches. Regardless of his prolific particular person data, together with being the IPL’s highest run-scorer with 8004 runs, Kohli’s quest for the elusive IPL trophy with RCB stays unfulfilled.