Virat Kohli reveals the major difference in playing ICC tournaments and the IPL

Ever since the departure of Sachin Tendulkar from the international stage, Virat Kohli had ensured that he carries forward the legacy of the ‘Master Blaster’. The current Indian skipper– in all formats of the game– has proved his mettle and emerged as one of the best in the business. Along with his batting credentials, the right-hander has gained accolades for his leadership skills as well.

Kohli has so far lived up to everyone’s expectations and has steered the Men in Blue to many memorable wins. For his consistent batting performances and massive fan-following across the globe, ‘Captain Kohli’ is often termed as the ‘Poster Boy’ of Indian cricket at the moment.

After making his international debut in 2008, there was no looking back for Kohli. He won two ICC titles — under MS Dhoni– when India clinched the 2011 World Cup and 2013 Champions Trophy. However, he hasn’t been successful yet to steer India to a major ICC trophy. Talking about IPL, Kohli is the leading run-getter in the tournament with 5412 runs.

In a recent interaction, Kohli revealed what is the major difference in playing ICC tournaments and the IPL.

Kohli said on Star Sports Cricket Connected, “You do play all your tournaments, which is one team versus another, ICC tournaments come every now and then, but even in ICC tournaments, you don’t really interact with the other team players or you see the other teams so often every now and then.”

I absolutely love playing in the IPL: Virat Kohli

The RCB skipper heaped praise on the IPL. He pointed out why IPL is rated so highly and lauded the league for creating a whole new atmosphere altogether. The prolific batsman also opined that the tournament establishes a connection between the players– domestic and overseas. The IPL also connects players and fans, according to Kohli.

“But in the IPL, you are just probably meeting another team every second or third day and that’s the beauty of the IPL, you are playing in a different ‘mahol’ (atmosphere).”

“I absolutely love that tournament and also for the camaraderie which you share with so many new players that you play with, so many players that you have known for a long time now, not from your own country, those who you don’t see often, and there is one reason why everyone loves the IPL too, there is a connect, of players and fans and of viewers,” said Kohli.