Suresh Raina believes that Virat Kohli deserves to win an IPL trophy for his remarkable contributions in international cricket and the IPL. As the 2024 IPL season approaches, Kohli, who has been with the RCB franchise for 16 years, is still in pursuit of his first IPL title.
Despite Virat Kohli’s exceptional batting performances, Royal Challengers Bangalore finished sixth last year, failing to reach the playoffs for the first time since 2019. Kohli, the fourth-highest run-scorer, amassed 639 runs at an average of 53.25 and a strike rate of 139.82.
In an interview with the Times of India regarding RCB’s title drought, Suresh Raina expressed sympathy for Kohli and believed the illustrious batsman deserved to secure an IPL title eventually.
“Virat deserves a trophy. He has done so well for the Indian team and RCB for years. He has had a lot of success at RCB and his fans deserve to hold a trophy for him,” said Raina.
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Kohli holds the record as the highest run-scorer in IPL history, accumulating 7,263 runs in 237 matches at an average exceeding 37, featuring seven centuries and 50 half-centuries. The 35-year-old also retains the single-season record for the most runs, achieving 973 in 2016. RCB secured IPL qualifications in 2009, 2011, and 2016.
“Have no idea about this” – Suresh Raina’s thoughts on the upcoming IPL 2024 as MS Dhoni’s last season
Suresh Raina acknowledged uncertainty regarding whether the upcoming IPL season would mark MS Dhoni’s farewell. However, he mentioned that the CSK captain appears incredibly fit.
In the off-season, the 42-year-old underwent knee surgery after guiding CSK to a record-equalling fifth IPL title last year. Dhoni also achieved the milestone of leading a single franchise (CSK) in 200 IPL games during the 2023 season.
Raina, who played under MS Dhoni’s captaincy for CSK from 2008 to 2015 and again from 2018 to 2021, commented:
“I have no idea about this. But he is working really hard. He is looking really fit. This is up to him. He will be in a yellow jersey and entertain the fans. Fans just love him. He will do really well I am sure. He has given a lot to cricket.”
https://x.com/sportskeeda/status/1759818580521267602?s=46
Dhoni holds the distinction of being the sole captain with more than 100 IPL victories (133) and has guided CSK to three titles in the past six seasons. Additionally, he ranks seventh in IPL history for the highest run-scorers, amassing 5,082 runs at an average of 38.79, accompanied by 24 half-centuries.
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