AB de Villiers: Winning IPL with RCB Would Be Ideal End to Kohli's Career
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Synopsis
AB de Villiers believes that securing the IPL title with RCB would be the perfect conclusion to Virat Kohli's illustrious cricketing career, highlighting Kohli's outstanding performance and contributions to the team.
Key Takeaways
- Virat Kohli has been with RCB since IPL's beginning in 2008.
- He is the highest run-scorer in IPL history.
- RCB has been runners-up three times but has yet to win the title.
- AB de Villiers praised Kohli’s recent performances and adaptability.
- RCB's IPL 2025 campaign starts on March 22 against KKR.
New Delhi, March 6 (NationPress) Former South African cricketer and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) player AB de Villiers expressed that clinching the prestigious Indian Premier League (IPL) title with the Bengaluru-based franchise would serve as the ideal culmination to Virat Kohli's extraordinary career.
Kohli has been a part of RCB since the league's inception in 2008, having captained the team in 140 matches before stepping down from the captaincy. Throughout 252 matches, he has accumulated 8,004 runs, including eight centuries and 55 half-centuries, boasting an impressive average of 38.67.
The 36-year-old stands as the highest run-scorer in IPL history, significantly surpassing Shikhar Dhawan's tally of 6,769 runs, who is the second-highest. Despite a remarkable IPL journey, Kohli has yet to secure a title across 17 tournament editions, with RCB finishing as runners-up on three occasions in 2009, 2011, and 2016.
As IPL 2025 is set to commence on March 22, de Villiers praised his former RCB teammate for his exceptional talent, expressing hope that he will lead the franchise to success.
“It’s encouraging to see him stepping out of his comfort zone, experimenting with new shots, and exploring different facets of his game. He has always possessed that capability. You can sense how much it means to him. Winning the IPL with RCB would be the perfect conclusion to his already remarkable career.
“He was exceptional last season. His strike rate wasn’t an issue—he fulfilled the role his team required. Unlike someone like Fraser McGurk from Delhi Capitals, Virat had the responsibility of stabilizing the innings. He deserves full credit for his crucial role in RCB’s qualification,” de Villiers stated during an episode of JioHotstar's ‘Power Play’.
The South African cricket legend dismissed any criticisms concerning Kohli's strike rate, asserting his pivotal role in anchoring the innings for RCB.
“The focus on Virat’s strike rate was utterly unfounded. He executed exactly what his team required. It’s all situational. When he has a trusted partner at the other end, you witness him experimenting and playing more freely. But when that is not the case, he adheres to his natural game—anchoring the innings when necessary,” the former wicketkeeper-batter remarked.
Rajat Patidar-led RCB will kick off their IPL 2025 campaign against the reigning champions Kolkata Knight Riders at Eden Gardens on March 22.
