Cricket

Kevin Pietersen proposes a team that Virat Kohli should join to end his IPL trophy drought

May 24, 2024

Former England cricketer Kevin Pietersen has recently urged Virat Kohli, the legendary player of Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), to contemplate a move to a different franchise in his pursuit of claiming his elusive Indian Premier League (IPL) title.

RCB’s IPL 2024 exit: Virat Kohli’s search for elusive title continues

Pietersen’s call comes after RCB’s defeat to Rajasthan Royals (RR) in the IPL 2024 Eliminator, marking the 17th season since the league’s inception that RCB has failed to clinch the championship. Despite Kohli’s exceptional performance throughout the season, including leading the run-scoring charts with 741 runs, RCB fell short of their ultimate goal once again.

Kohli massed 741 runs from 15 T20s, his second best outing in the IPL after 2016 when he scored a record 973 runs but still couldn’t take RCB to the title. Kohli got off to a terrific start in the Eliminator but was dismissed by former RCB spinner Yuzvendra Chahal for 33 off 24 deliveries. After Kohli’s departure, RCB could only muster 172/8 in their 20 overs and RR completed the chase in 19 overs and won the high-stakes battle by four wickets.

Also READ: IPL 2024 Team of the tournament: Best playing XI ft. Virat Kohli and Andre Russell

Kevin Pietersen’s plea

In the aftermath of RCB’s exit from IPL 2024, Pietersen has advocated for Kohli to contemplate a change of scenery in pursuit of his maiden IPL title. Pietersen drew parallels with iconic footballers like David Beckham, Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, who departed their childhood clubs in search of success elsewhere. Pietersen specifically suggested that Kohli consider a move to the Delhi Capitals (DC), citing his roots in the city.

“I have said it before and I will say it again — the greats of the game in other sports, have left teams to go and seek glory somewhere else. When he has tried and tried so hard — won the Orange Cap yet again and done so much yet again and the franchise fails again. I understand for the brand of the team and the commercial value he brings to the team… But Virat Kohli deserves a trophy. He deserves to play in a team that could help him to get that trophy,” Pietersen was quoted as saying by the Times of India.

“I actually think it should be Delhi. Delhi is the place where Virat needs to go. Virat can go away, and stay at home most of the time, I know he has a home in Delhi. He has a young family. He can spend more time there. He is a Delhi boy. Why can’t he go back? Delhi are as desperate as Bengaluru. I think it’s about time Virat thought long and hard. Beckham left, Ronaldo left, Messi left, Harry Kane just left Spurs and went to Bayern Munich,” the 43-year-old concluded.

Kohli’s IPL legacy with RCB

Kohli’s association with the RCB franchise dates back to the inaugural edition of the IPL in 2008, and he assumed leadership duties in 2013. Throughout his tenure, Kohli has been an epitome of loyalty, having played all IPL seasons for RCB, captaining the side in 140 matches. Despite his prolific individual records, including being the IPL’s highest run-scorer with 8004 runs, Kohli’s quest for the elusive IPL trophy with RCB remains unfulfilled.