Mohammad Kaif predicted Virat Kohli's return to boost RCB's chances in the IPL 17.
Former Indian cricketer Mohammad Kaif highlighted Virat Kohli's exceptional form over the past two years, saying it will be a key for Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in the upcoming IPL 2024.
Kohli is set to return to action next week as RCB prepares to take on the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the opening match of IPL 2024 at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on March 22.
Notably, the former India and RCB skipper has been on a break since the T20I series against Afghanistan in January. He withdrew from the Test series against England to be with his wife, Anushka Sharma, for the birth of their second child, a son they named Akaay.
However, the dashing right-hander is expected to join the RCB camp before March 17, ahead of the franchise's annual 'Unbox' promotional event slated for March 19.
Mohammad Kaif said on Star Sports: “Virat Kohli has been playing amazing cricket for the last 1-2 years; he has been in good form. I remember during the Asia Cup when he scored a century against Afghanistan; since then, he hasn’t looked back.”
Kaif further noted, “He has been in amazing form since then, and when a player like Virat Kohli is in form, he knows how to make runs in every match; he was also the player of the tournament during the World Cup. So, I think he’s going to continue this amazing form.
One special thing about Virat Kohli is that every time he comes back from a break, he plays really well. Most players want to be in touch and play regularly to get in form, but Virat Kohli every time when he comes back from the break, he comes across as a more dangerous batsman.”
He signed off by saying, “Yes, there are Cameron Green and Glenn Maxwell in the team, but Virat Kohli’s form will decide RCB’s place in the playoffs. It’s important that Virat Kohli is in form with Maxwell and Green for RCB to qualify for the playoffs.”
(With Star Sports Inputs)