Virat Kohli achieved his lifelong dream, winning his maiden IPL title with Royal Challengers Bengaluru. Though he broke down in tears after the emotional moment, Virat still says Test cricket stands five levels above this trophy.
Kohli Gets Emotional, Still Puts Test Cricket Above IPL Win
Royal Challengers Bengaluru finally clinched their maiden IPL title after 18 years in the tournament, and the moment was made even more special by winning it in the biggest stadium in the world. The celebration was one of a kind from the RCB players, especially Virat Kohli, who broke down after dreaming of this moment for the past 17 years. His teammates joined him as he let his emotions out on the field.
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As the celebrations continued, Virat Kohli spoke with Matthew Hayden and shared his feelings about the win. When Hayden asked if this was one of the biggest moments of his career, Virat, surprisingly to many, said the glory of this title is still five levels below Test cricket. He also urged young cricketers to show respect for the format.
“This moment is right up there with the best moments I have had in my career, but it still marks five levels under Test cricket. That is how much I love Test cricket, and that is how much I value it. I would just urge the youngsters coming through to treat that format with respect,” said Kohli after RCB’s win.
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Kohli Urges Youngsters to Respect Test Cricket
He went on to emphasize the value of Test cricket, advising the next generation to give their heart and soul to it.
“Because if you perform in Test cricket, you walk around anywhere in the world, people look you in the eye, shake your hand, and say, ‘Well done, you played the game really well.’ So if you want to earn respect in world cricket, take up Test cricket. Give your heart and soul to it, and when you walk out the other side with success, you gain respect from the entire cricket world—including legends like yourself,” he added.
Virat Kohli, who has always loved Test cricket above all formats, recently announced his retirement from the format a decision that shocked the entire nation. His legendary Test career includes 9,230 runs in 123 matches, with 30 hundreds and 31 fifties, making him India’s finest Test batter of this decade.
