AB de Villiers Calls IPL Trophy with RCB the “Perfect Ending” to Kohli’s Glorious Career
Former South African superstar AB de Villiers believes that winning an IPL title with Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) would be the ideal finishing touch to Virat Kohli’s illustrious T20 career.
Kohli, the leading run-scorer in IPL history, has been the face of RCB since the league’s inception in 2008. Despite his phenomenal individual records, an IPL trophy has eluded both him and the franchise. De Villiers, who shared some of the most iconic partnerships with Kohli at RCB, feels that lifting the coveted trophy would complete Kohli’s IPL legacy.
Virat Kohli: The Face of RCB and IPL’s Run Machine
- Matches: 237
- Innings: 229
- Runs: 8004
- Average: 38.66
- Strike Rate: 131.97
- 50s/100s: 55/8
Virat Kohli’s loyalty to RCB has made him a unique figure in IPL history, as one of the few players to represent a single franchise for over 15 seasons.
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AB de Villiers Slams Strike Rate Critics
Addressing recent scrutiny over Kohli’s strike rate, AB de Villiers dismissed the criticism, calling it “absolutely ridiculous.” He praised Kohli’s adaptability, saying:
A Season to Remember – Kohli’s 2024 IPL Campaign
Despite the noise around his strike rate, Kohli was instrumental in RCB’s playoff qualification last season. De Villiers highlighted:
- Kohli adapted his game based on match situations.
- Played anchor when needed, accelerating when conditions allowed.
- Displayed his vast shot-making ability, stepping out of his comfort zone.
Expert Panel Supports Kohli Amid Criticism
Graeme Smith Backs Kohli’s Approach
Former South African captain Graeme Smith also came to Kohli’s defense:
Scott Styris Weighs In on Kohli’s Strike Rate
Former New Zealand cricketer Scott Styris highlighted that Kohli’s strike rate was never an issue during the powerplay:
Shane Watson Offers Tactical Insight
Former Australian all-rounder Shane Watson acknowledged that Kohli was aware of the changing demands of modern T20 cricket:
Why an IPL Trophy Matters for Kohli’s Legacy
Legacy Beyond Numbers
While Kohli’s 8000+ IPL runs, 8 centuries, and 55 fifties make him statistically unmatched, the absence of an IPL title remains the one missing piece in his glittering career.
AB de Villiers’ Final Word
The Road Ahead for RCB in IPL 2025
- Team Balance Key: RCB must build a strong supporting cast to allow Kohli to play his natural game.
- Pace Attack Concerns: Injuries to players like Josh Hazlewood could impact RCB’s death bowling.
- Emerging Talent: Young Indian talents could play a pivotal role in easing Kohli’s batting burden.
