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In an exciting revelation ahead of the 17th season of the Indian Premier League (IPL), former Indian cricketer Suresh Raina has thrown his support behind Virat Kohli, advocating for the star batter to clinch the much-anticipated IPL trophy. Raina, who has shared the field with Kohli as a teammate for India, believes that Kohli's outstanding contributions to the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) and his impressive performances for the national team make him a deserving candidate for the trophy.
"Virat deserves a trophy. He has done so well for the Indian team and RCB for years. He has had a lot of success at RCB and his fans deserve to hold a trophy for him," Raina told The Times of India.
Another opportunity for Virat Kohli and RCB
As the IPL gears up to commence on March 22, Kohli is set to embark on his 17th season with RCB, a team still chasing its first title since the inception of the IPL in 2008. Under the leadership of Faf du Plessis, the Bangalore-based franchise is eager to break their title drought this year. The tournament will kick off with a high-voltage clash as the defending champions host RCB at the iconic MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai, setting the stage for an exhilarating start to the season.
Adding to the intrigue, Kohli took a break from the national side for the ongoing 5-match Test series between India and England due to personal reasons. Kohli and his wife, Anushka Sharma, recently celebrated the birth of their second child, Akaay, in London, sharing the joyous news with their fans on social media. The 35-year-old cricket icon is anticipated to make a grand return to the cricket field during IPL 2024.
Will MS Dhoni call it quits after IPL 2024?
The forthcoming season promises a riveting South Indian derby, featuring a clash of titans as Kohli and MS Dhoni go head-to-head. This matchup is eagerly awaited by fans, offering a spectacle as two of India's cricketing giants face off. Amid speculation about this season possibly being Dhoni's final appearance in the IPL, Raina shared his insights.
Despite not having definitive information, Raina highlighted Dhoni's rigorous preparations as he gears up to lead the Chennai Super Kings, a franchise that has already secured the IPL title five times.
"I have no idea about this. But he is working really hard. He is looking really fit. This is up to him. He will be in a yellow jersey and entertain the fans. Fans just love him. He will do really well I am sure. He has given a lot to cricket," Raina said.
This season of the IPL not only promises thrilling cricketing action but also holds the potential for legacy-defining moments for some of the game's most celebrated players, making it a tournament to watch out for.
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