Virat Kohli's Strong Message to Ajit Agarkar, Jab at Ravi Shastri Raises Eyebrows Ahead of T20 WC

India National Cricket Team and Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) batting superstar, Virat Kohli spoke his heart out at the post-match presentation ceremony while interacting with veteran commentator Harsha Bhogle after his feat in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024. Match against Punjab Kings (PBKS) on March 25. Virat Kohli was the main architect behind Royal Challengers Bangalore's (RCB) victory in the 6th match of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024.

Starting the innings, Virat Kohli was strong at one end and scored 77 runs off 49 balls. Helping his team win the match by 4 wickets.

Speaking after the match, Virat Kohli, who won the player of the match award, said that creating memories is more important to him than records. He said: “It has been going on for years (Chinnaswamy's love affair with fans). When you play sports people talk about many other things - achievement, statistics, numbers. But when you look back it's the memories you make. The love, appreciation and support I have received is amazing.”

Virat Kohli also revealed that his role in RCB is to provide his team with a bright start as an opener but wickets falling at regular intervals made it more difficult for him. He also expressed disappointment at not being able to finish the match and losing his wicket at a crucial time in the match. He elaborated: “I try to give the team a bright start, but if the wicket falls, you have to evaluate it. There was no normal flat pitch. Disappointed I couldn't finish the game. Was in the slot but cut it to a deep point. They know I play cover drives well, so they don't let me hit the gaps. You have to come up with a game plan here and there.

I know my name is now associated with the promotion of the game in different parts of the world - Virat Kohli
Recently, reports surfaced in the media claiming that Virat Kohli is expected to be left out of India's T20 World Cup 2024 squad as his batting style will not be ideal for the conditions on offer in the USA and West Indies. Also, speaking on air during the match between GT and MI, East England batsman Kevin Pietersen said that Virat Kohli is needed in India's squad for the T20 World Cup as he will help grow the game in the USA. The World Cup is happening in the USA. India is playing Pakistan in New York. You want someone like Virat Kohli to help take the game forward," Pietersen said.

Ravi Shastri rejected Kevin Pietersen's statement and responded by saying that advancing the game is not more important than winning the tournament and that India should go to the World Cup with the best players. “It's not about raising the game, it's about winning the competition. The game will grow where it needs to grow. What I'm trying to say is no baggage. And India won the 2007 T20 World Cup with a young team. You want youth. You want to flare up. You want that dash," he said.

Meanwhile, Virat Kohli apparently spoke about reports of his T20 World Cup 2024 snub and also took a dig at Ravi Shastri, saying he still got it and his name is being used to promote cricket in different parts of the world. He said: “I know that when it comes to T20 cricket, my name is now associated with promoting the game in different parts of the world. I think I still have it."

Virat Kohli signed off by talking about the two-month break he took to spend time with his family and newborn. He said:

"Just to feel normal for two months - for me, for my family - was a surreal experience. Couldn't be more grateful to God for the opportunity to spend time with family. Being just another person on the street and not being recognized is an amazing experience. .That's the promise I can make here - I'll keep coming forward and do my best.