Winning IPL with RCB would be perfect finishing touch to Virat Kohli's phenomenal career: AB de Villiers

Former South Africa AB de Villiers has said that winning an IPL title with Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) would perfectly complement Virat Kohli’s career.

Kohli has been a mainstay in the franchise ever since the inaugural edition of the tournament and belongs to the elite group of players who have represented the same team since the tournament’s inception. Kohli is also IPL’s all-time highest run-getter with a staggering tally of 8004 runs in 244 innings at an average of 38.66 and strike rate of 131.97, including a record 55 half-centuries and eight centuries.

De Villiers, who formed one of the most iconic and potent partnerships with Kohli during his time at the IPL as an RCB player, reckoned that an IPL crown will be like a cherry on the cake for Kohli’s unmatched record in the tournament. de Villiers also rubbished the scrutiny over Kohli’s strike rate, stating that he plays the situation and does whatever the team needs him to do.

The scrutiny over Virat’s strike rate was absolutely ridiculous: AB de Villiers

“The scrutiny over Virat’s strike rate was absolutely ridiculous. He had done exactly what his team needed from him. It’s all about the situation. When he has someone at the other end he trusts, you see him experiment and play with more freedom. But when that’s not the case, he stays true to his natural game—anchoring the innings when needed,” de Villiers told said on JioHotstar.

“It’s great to see him stepping out of his comfort zone, trying new shots, and exploring different aspects of his game. He’s always had that ability in him. You can see how much it means to him. Winning the IPL with RCB would be the perfect finishing touch to his already phenomenal career. He was outstanding last season. His strike rate wasn’t the problem—he played exactly the role his team needed him to. Unlike someone like Fraser McGurk for Delhi Capitals, Virat had the responsibility of holding the innings together. He deserves full credit for playing a crucial role in RCB’s qualification,” he added.

Kohli’s strike-rate was never an issue during the power-play: Scott Styris

de Villiers' co-panellist and former South Africa skipper Graeme Smith also had his say on the matter of Kohli's strike rate. He said: “The criticism surrounding Virat’s strike rate last season was completely unfair. He had single-handedly carried RCB’s batting line-up, which is a massive responsibility, especially when others around him weren’t delivering.”

Former New Zealand cricketer Scott Styris added: “Kohli’s strike rate was never an issue during the power-play. The challenge came after that, where he needed to shift gears and be more aggressive.”

Former Australia all-rounder Shane Watson also weighed in: “He knew that if he doesn’t increase his scoring rate, if he doesn’t allow himself more freedom at the crease instead of playing it safe, he risks being left behind in the modern T20 game.”