The Royal Challengers Bengaluru's (RCB) star overseas player Glenn Maxwell imitated Virat Kohli's batting as the latter practiced in the nets ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 opener on March 22 against Chennai Super Kings (CSK).
Maxwell was standing behind the nets when Kohli was batting trying to copy his stance and routine in-between deliveries. He tried to walk like Kohli as well while Mohammed Siraj laughed.
However, Kohli focused on fine-tuning his skills ahead of the big game. Some of the shots he played made his teammate Maxwell’s jaw drop. He clapped at the end of Kohli's net session. The video posted by IPL has gone viral on social media.
In the video, Siraj made Maxwell laugh by saying ‘Thanks Gary’. Gary is the nickname of veteran Australia off-spinner Nathan Lyon.
Kohli wants to double it up
Earlier this week at the RCB Unbox event, Kohli said that he hopes the men’s team can take inspiration from Smriti Mandhana-led side and bring home the trophy.
"Hopefully we can double it up with the trophies, that will be something truly special," Kohli said.
The former RCB captain got emotional as he is yet to lift the trophy. He wants to lift it not just for himself but for RCB's loyal fanbase as well.
"As everyone knows, I'm always gonna be here, try to be part of the group that wins it (IPL) for the first time...I will try my absolute best for the fans, for the franchise...its kind of a dream of mine as well over so many years, to know what it feels like to win the IPL," Kohli added.
RCB will play their first home game on March 25 against Shikhar Dhawan-led Punjab Kings (PBKS).
RCB’s performance in last season
In the previous season, RCB failed to make it to the playoffs as they finished sixth on the points table with seven wins from 14 games. RCB skipper Faf du Plessis was the second on the list of highest run-scorers of the season whereas Kohli was in fourth place. Maxwell had a mixed bag of a season as he scored 400 runs from 14 games including five half-centuries.
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