Ahmedabad, India – After an agonizing 18-year wait, Virat Kohli and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) finally lifted the coveted Indian Premier League (IPL) trophy, defeating Punjab Kings in a thrilling final. The momentous victory sent RCB fans into a frenzy and marked a significant milestone in Kohli’s illustrious career. However, amidst the euphoria, Kohli made a striking admission, underscoring his profound reverence for Test cricket.
An Emotional Triumph and a Long Wait Fulfilled
The atmosphere at the Narendra Modi Stadium was electric as RCB secured their maiden IPL title by six runs. The win brought an end to nearly two decades of heartbreak and near-misses for the franchise, a journey deeply intertwined with Virat Kohli, who has been with RCB since the inception of the IPL in 2008. Tears flowed freely as Kohli embraced his wife, Anushka Sharma, and celebrated with teammates, embodying the raw emotion of a dream realized. He expressed immense satisfaction, stating he had “given this team my youth, prime, and experience” and that the win felt “unbelievable.”
The Unwavering Value of Test Cricket
Despite the unprecedented joy of the IPL triumph, Virat Kohli, a staunch advocate for the longest format of the game, was quick to put the achievement into perspective. Speaking to broadcasters after the final, he asserted that while the IPL victory was one of the best moments of his career, it still pales in comparison to Test cricket.
“There’s a lot that’s been spoken about me already, but this win is for Bangalore. This moment is right up there with the best moments in my career. But it still ranks five levels below Test cricket. If you want to earn respect, take up Test cricket,” Kohli said at the post-match presentation.
A Call to Young Cricketers: Respect the Red Ball
Kohli, who recently retired from Test cricket after a distinguished 14-year career, used the platform to urge young cricketers to prioritize and respect the traditional format. He emphasized that performing in Test cricket is the ultimate benchmark for earning global recognition and respect within the cricketing fraternity.
“So I would just urge the youngsters coming through, to treat that format with respect. Because if you perform in Test cricket, you walk around anywhere in the world, people look you in the eye and shake your hand and say, ‘Well done, you played the game really well’,” Kohli added. “So if you want to earn respect in world cricket all over, take up Test cricket, and give your heart and soul to it.”
Kohli’s comments highlight his enduring passion for Test cricket, a format where he built an incredible legacy, leading India in a record 68 matches and securing 40 victories. Even in the glow of a long-awaited IPL triumph, his words served as a powerful reminder of the enduring significance of Test cricket in the global cricketing landscape.
