The first game was a disappointment but Virat Kohli truly marked his return to cricket with a brilliant 77-run knock for Royal Challengers Bangalore in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 match against Punjab Kings on Monday. It was a vintage performance from Virat, as the Indian stalwart unleashed those perfect cover drives and lofted hits. As Kohli produced a match-winning performance to silence critics questioning his T20 World Cup spot, the batting maestro wasted no time in giving a call to his family and celebrate the success with them.
Kohli, who was recently blessed with a son Akaay, admitted that he is in a good headspace having spent about two months with his family outside India as wife Anushka gave birth their second child.
The happiness on his face was visible to all as he gave a call to his family right after the end of the match. Here's the video:
After the game, Virat also addressed questions around his future on T20 cricket, giving a sharp reply to critics as he said, “I've still got it.”
"I know my name is now attached to just promoting the game in different parts of the world when it comes to T20 cricket. I've still got it I guess," Kohli said, giving a cheeky reply to those debating his spot in the T20 World Cup squad.
Kohli holds the Orange Cap for now but he said that he is past that stage where these things matter anymore.
"I don't play for these Caps anymore. That's the promise I can give here -- I'll keep turning up and keep trying me best." He was a trifle disappointed that he couldn't finish the game.
"I try to give the team a blazing start, but if wickets fall, you have to assess. Wasn't the usual flat pitch. Disappointed I couldn't finish the game. The ball was in the slot but sliced it to deep point." He has started hitting the lofted cover drive and it is his constant endeavour to evolve as a batter.
"They know I play the cover drive well, so they're not going to allow me to hit gaps. You have to come up with a game plan here and there."