IPL 2024: Virat Kohli explains what sets IPL apart from ICC events

Virat Kohli said that getting the opportunity to play alongside new players and knowing players from other countries closely is something he loves about the Indian Premier League (IPL).

The legendary cricketer has been playing for the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) since the inception of the IPL in 2008. He is set to return to competitive cricket during the 17th edition of the cash-rich league after skipping the ongoing five-match Test series between India and England. Bangalore will face defending champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the season opener on Friday, March 22 at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.

For the fans, the CSK versus RCB clash in the IPL is always special because they can see the two icons of Indian cricket, MS Dhoni and Kohli, squaring off against each other. Ahead of the highly-anticipated fixture, the Delhi batter explained why everyone, including himself, loves the IPL.

“I absolutely love IPL, also because of the camaraderie you share, so many new players you play with, so many players that you’ve known for a long time who are not from your own country, whom you don’t see often. There’s a reason why everyone loves IPL so much, as there’s a connect, both for players and fans,” he told Star Sports.

Meeting every team just every second or third day is the beauty of IPL: Virat Kohli

The former India captain pointed out some of the reasons that make the IPL different from the ICC events. Kohli said that players from other teams are quite accessible during the league as teams are playing matches more frequently.

“You do play all your tournaments which is one team versus another. ICC tournaments come every now and then, but even in ICC tournaments, you don’t interact with other players or see the other team, so often,” he said.

“But in IPL, you’re probably meeting every team just every second or third day, and that’s the beauty of IPL. You are playing in different conditions in a different city with a different team. Everybody has a different kind of determination at various stages of the tournament and such magical moments are being created,” he further added.

The talismanic batter had an excellent campaign with the bat last season. He amassed 639 runs at an average of 53.25 and a strike rate of 139.82. He registered five fifties and two centuries during the tournament. However, Bangalore couldn’t make it to the playoffs as they finished sixth on the points table. Kohli would like to replicate his last year’s performance or even better it as the Royal Challengers hope to win their maiden IPL title.