Virat Kohli, the talismanic batsman of Indian cricket, roared back to form in IPL 2024, silencing doubters and claiming the coveted Orange Cap with a staggering 741 runs. The key to his resurgence, according to teammate Dinesh Karthik, might lie in the pre-season criticism surrounding his strike rate.
Questions were raised about Kohli’s suitability for modern T20 cricket in the lead-up to the IPL. This, according to Karthik, became the perfect motivator for the former Indian captain. He revealed that the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) team environment thrives on constructive criticism and enjoys proving people wrong.
“There’s a lot I could say about Virat this year,” shared Dinesh Karthik in a Cricbuzz interview. “He started well, but thanks to people like Simon Doull and others, they really spurred him on. And trust me, you don’t want to see that side of Virat Kohli. He thrives on that challenge. He subconsciously wants to hold onto these things to perform well.”
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Karthik elaborated on Kohli’s drive to prove his critics wrong. “He loves silencing doubts,” he said. “Even though he might not say it, negativity fuels his passion. He becomes like molten lava – fiery and someone you don’t want to get close to because you’ll get burnt. After all, he’s proven himself countless times.”
The veteran wicket-keeper went on to praise Kohli’s incredible intensity and leadership, highlighting them as crucial factors in RCB’s success.
“You can’t talk about RCB’s success without mentioning him,” Dinesh Karthik emphasized. “It goes beyond his batting. It’s the intimidating presence he commands on the field, the way he pushes his fielders. You wouldn’t want to be a microphone hidden nearby during one of those timeouts!”
Former New Zealand cricketer Simon Doull, who had previously questioned Kohli’s T20 strike rate, admitted that the superstar might indeed need such external motivation after a glorious 17-year career.
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“He’s a legend who shouldn’t worry about getting out,” Simon Doull clarified. “He’s too good a player, and that was always my point. I’ve said a thousand positive things about Virat, but when I offer one slightly critical opinion, it gets blown out of proportion. It’s never personal; we’ve had great conversations.”
Virat Kohli’s story in IPL 2024 is a testament to his enduring hunger and the power of channeling criticism into motivation. With this remarkable season, he has proven that even legends can be reignited.
