The upcoming Indian Premier League 2024 is generating significant anticipation, with fans eagerly awaiting the inaugural clash between the defending champions, Chennai Super Kings, and the title contenders, Royal Challengers Bangalore, scheduled for Friday, March 22. Virat Kohli, the iconic player representing Bangalore, has returned to his home city of Bengaluru to join the team ahead of this crucial tournament.
Kohli arrived in India on Saturday night after the birth of his son, Akaay, in London. His announcement of Akaay’s birth on February 21 via social media revealed that his wife, Anushka Sharma, gave birth to their second child on February 15. Opting out of the red-ball series against England earlier, the 35-year-old prioritized his responsibilities.
VIRAT KOHLI HAS LEFT MUMBAI.
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) March 17, 2024
– HE'S ON HIS WAY TO BENGALURU…!!! 🐐pic.twitter.com/1X0lKwTWOd
Before their opening game, Royal Challengers Bangalore will host an Unbox event on March 19 at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. Fans eagerly await this event, where Kohli and other cricketing luminaries will be present. Additionally, the presence of RCB’s women’s team, fresh off their historic victory in the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2024, is expected to enhance the excitement of the occasion. RCB released a video to celebrate Kohli’s return.
Kohli’s Homecoming Amid Personal Milestones
Virat Kohli’s remarkable performance in the Indian Premier League is highlighted by his status as the highest run-scorer in the tournament’s history, accumulating 7263 runs in 237 matches at an impressive average of 37.24 and a formidable strike rate of 130.02. His record includes seven centuries and 50 half-centuries, showcasing his consistency and dominance.
Kohli’s batting prowess was particularly evident during the 2016 IPL season when he secured the prestigious Orange Cap by amassing an astounding 973 runs in just 16 matches, boasting an average of 81.08 and an exceptional strike rate of 152.03. He continued his impressive form in the previous season, scoring 639 runs in 14 games, including two centuries and six fifties, at an average of 53.25 and a strike rate of 139.82.
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