IPL 2024: I have still got it – Virat Kohli takes a dig at Kevin Pietersen

Recently former England swashbuckling batter Kevin Pietersen asked about Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma’s place in India’s potential T20 World Cup 2024 squad. Pietersen asked fellow commentator Ravi Shastri how would Kohli’s presence would help grow the game in the US, where the T20I showpiece is all set to be played.

Shastri said the selectors must pick the right team for the T20 World Cup and the game will grow itself. After scoring a match-winning knock of 77 runs off just 49 balls, laden with 11 fours and two maximums, Kohli shed light on his future, stating he has still got some fuel left in his tank for T20s.

Kohli played a key role in RCB’s four-wicket win and he was awarded the Player of the Match for his fine knock against PBKS on Monday.

Kohli said in the post-match presentation, “I know my name is now attached to just promoting the game in different parts of the world when it comes to T20 cricket. But I’ve still got it I guess.”

Meanwhile, Kohli enjoyed a two-month break with family for the birth of his second child. The talisman said it was a surreal experience to spend time with his family.

Kohli added, “We were not in the country (talking about his break). We were in a place where people were not recognising us. Just time together as a family, just to feel normal for two months – for me, my family – it was a surreal experience. Of course having two kids, things become totally different from a family perspective. Just the ability to be together, the connections you make with your older child. Couldn’t have been more grateful to God for the opportunity to spend time with the family. It’s an amazing experience to just be another person on the road and not be recognised. That’s the promise I can give here – I’ll keep turning up and keep trying me best.”

Kohli added he doesn’t care about the numbers and it’s more about creating memories for him, which he can cherish for a lifetime.

The former RCB captain concluded, “People talk about a lot of other things when you play sport – achievement, stats, numbers. But when you look back it’s the memories you create. Rahul bhai in the change room says the same nowadays. When you play, play your heart out because you’re going to miss these times. The love, appreciation and backing I’ve received has been amazing. I try to give the team a blazing start, but if wickets fall, you have to understand the conditions as well.”

Royal Challengers Bengaluru will next take on Kolkata Knight Riders M.Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru on Friday.