Following a two-month paternity break, Kohli returned with a bang, delivering a match-winning performance.He smashed 77 runs off just 49 balls, featuring 11 fours and two sixes. Moreover, he didn’t hesitate to emphasize his significance, pointing out that whether it’s cricket in the Olympics or the T20 World Cup in the USA, he remains ‘The Face’.
“I know my name is now attached to just promoting the game in different parts of the world when it comes to T20 cricket. I’ve still got it I guess,” he smiled cheekily but the message was for those who would debate his spot in the T20 World Cup squad.
Although he briefly holds the Orange Cap now, he mentioned that he has moved beyond the point where such accolades hold significance to him.
“I don’t play for these Caps anymore. That’s the promise I can give here — I’ll keep turning up and keep trying my best.”
He felt slightly disappointed that he wasn’t able to complete the game.
“I try to give the team a blazing start, but if wickets fall, you have to assess. Wasn’t the usual flat pitch. Disappointed I couldn’t finish the game. The ball was in the slot but sliced it to deep point.”
He’s begun to execute lofted cover drives, demonstrating his ongoing commitment to evolving as a batter.
“They know I play the cover drive well, so they’re not going to allow me to hit gaps. You have to come up with a game plan here and there.”
To RCB fans, he will always be, and continue to be, the ‘King’.
“It’s been going on for years (love story with the fans at Chinnaswamy). 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 as Rahul bhai (Dravid) always tells us that this time will not come back.
“The love, appreciation and backing I’ve received has been amazing.”
During his two-month paternity break, he also had the opportunity to live a regular life and a “chance to spend time and bond” with his elder child – daughter Vamika.
“Just to feel normal for two months — for me, my family — it was a surreal experience. 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. Then you come here and you hear them shout your name and you are switched on.”
(With PTI inputs)