Former India pacer Ajit Agarkar believes that playing for Royal Challangers Bangalore (RCB) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) has had a ‘huge say’ in how Indian skipper Virat Kohli’s international career has panned out.
Kohli is one of the few players who has represented only one franchise. Playing for one franchise that too RCB which has a very strong fan base has helped Kohli in dealing with pressure situations much before jumping on the international circuit.
“Massive! We saw how quick his progress in international cricket has been. So, when you do well there, you are already confident, but then, to be captain of a franchise with such a big fan base, and be as consistent as he is, it certainly helped,” Agarkar said.
“You're under pressure every day when you go out to play for RCB. Playing for India is just as big or bigger, but you still are under pressure day in and day out,” he told Star Sports.
The Delhi-based right-hand batsman who was appointed as the RCB skipper in 2013 has gotten a lot of runs to his name in the IPL which Agarkar believes has helped him in the international arena as well.
“When you keep getting runs, you know your psyche is just built and you are at ease with your game and he has done that. I think being captain and getting runs certainly has helped him in his international career as well. I'm sure he'd say that IPL has had a huge say on his career as overall as it has panned out,” the right-arm quick said.
After a superb 10-wicket win over Rajasthan Royals, Virat Kohli and Co. will be going against three-time champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK) on Sunday (25 April) at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.
(With Star Sports inputs)
