Virat Kohli's performance has only improved after giving up captaincy in the International cricket and Indian Premier League (IPL). From Asia Cup 2022's ton to recent Border-Gavaskar Trophy's daddy hundred followed most recent blistering 82 for Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in the ongoing IPL, Kohli has fired on all cylinders over the past eight months. Meanwhile, Kohli's good friend and RCB's former teammate AB De Villiers believes that Kohli has appeared relaxed and happy this season after giving away captaincy roles with the IPL franchise and also with the national team.
Despite having strong and talented players over the last 15 seasons, RCB have been unable to win the coveted trophy. When skipper Kohli was unable to secure a win for RCB, he gave up the captaincy ahead of IPL 2022, with Faf du Plessis being elected as the new captain of the team. He also made his exit as the captain of Tam India in all the three formats.
“I have not seen much change, everything is similar. The technique looks solid; he has got good balance at the crease. He is still that 'busy' player with a lot of energy at the wicket. I just feel, this season he has come in looking really fresh. I have seen some of his interviews where he is laughing more than ever…,”de Villiers told the media when asked what change he has noticed in Kohli’s batting in recent years.
“I think letting the captaincy go last season played a big role in him relaxing. He was a fantastic captain but he did it for a long period of time both internationally and also at the IPL which can be daunting. You never get time off to chill or spend with family or have a laugh with some friends. I think that is his mantra for this season, just to go out and have fun, keep smiling,” the RCB legend said.
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Kohli who is in red hot form is oozing runs since his stunning century against Afghanistan in the Asia Cup 2022. In 2023, Kohli has amassed 724 runs in 13 matches at an average of 51.71 across the three formats of the game which is decorated with two ODI tons against Sri Lanka and a stellar Test century against Australia in the Border-Gavaskar series 2023.
De Villiers also said that Kohli's best is yet to come and when he is having fun his natural talent takes over and he scores runs at ease.
“When he is having fun that natural talent takes over and he scores runs at ease which he did in that first innings. I think the best is yet to come and we are going to see some fireworks,” de Villiers further added.
RCB got off to a stunning start to the IPL 2023 as they defeated Mumbai Indians in their campaign opener. RCB rode on Kohli's masterclass to bulldoze MI by eight wickets. Kohli combined with skipper Faf Du Plessis to weave a massive 148-run opening stand to help RCB overhaul the challenging 172-run target with 22 balls to spare.
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