Virat Kohli isn't right for an IPL team, people said: Rajeev Shukla slams critics
Rajeev Shukla lavished praise on Virat Kohli and took a swipe at his critics after Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) lifted their maiden IPL title, defeating Punjab Kings (PBKS) by six runs in the final on Tuesday, June 3, at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.Kohli, 36, remains the only cricketer to represent a single franchise since the IPL's inception in 2008. Shukla hit back at those who once questioned the veteran cricketer's captaincy and even claimed he wasn't fit for any IPL team.advertisementShukla, IPL vice-president, said RCB's massive fan base is largely due to Kohli, who recently became the first batter to score 9000 runs for one franchise in T20 cricket.
"See, to me, it feels like - amongst those who've played the IPL over the last 18 years - Virat has been the constant. And he tried many times to make Bangalore champions, to make RCB champions, but it never happened. People often criticised him, said things like 'he's not a good captain,' 'he's not right for an IPL team' - this and that,' Shukla told India Today in an interview.Also Read: Krunal Pandya: Mumbai's main man once, RCB's IPL final hero now'But whatever the case may be, it's because of Virat that RCB has such a big fan base and popularity. People around the world follow this team because of him. No matter where a match is played, if Virat's team is playing, it will be known by his name,' Shukla added.Virat Kohli shining in IPL 2025advertisementDelhi-born Virat Kohli had a stellar IPL 2025 campaign, amassing 657 runs in 15 matches at an average of 54.75 and a strike rate of 144.71, with a highest score of 73*.In the final, Kohli top-scored for RCB with a composed 43 off 35 balls, including three boundaries, before being dismissed by Azmatullah Omarzai. His knock helped RCB post 190 for nine, after which they restricted Punjab Kings to 184 for seven to seal a historic win.Stay updated on IPL 2025 with India Today! Get match schedules, team squads, live score, and the latest IPL points table for CSK, MI, RCB, KKR, SRH, LSG, DC, GT, PBKS, and RR. Plus, keep track of the top contenders for the IPL Orange Cap and Purple Cap. Don't miss a moment!
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