Virat Kohli was on cloud nine after Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) defeated Chennai Super Kings (CSK) on Saturday and qualified for the playoffs of IPL 2024.
After losing six matches out of their first seven, RCB scripted one of the biggest comeback stories in the history of IPL, with Kohli at the center of their resurgence, scoring 708 runs to solidify himself at the top of the run-scoring charts firmly.
RCB defeated CSK by 27 runs to join Kolkata Knight Riders, Rajasthan Royals, and Sunrisers Hyderabad as the top four teams. RCB will play RR in the Eliminator on May 22, Wednesday.
The after-win celebrations in the RCB dressing room had a special guest in Chris Gayle, arguably one of their biggest match-winners. The 'Universe Boss' was in attendance in the stands, seeing his former team defy all odds. Gayle then entered the RCB dressing room to be part of their celebrations, where Kohli boasted of his incredible six-hitting prowess.
"Maximum sixes this season, yeah?" said Kohli, after which Gayle asked, 'How much?' Kohli was prompt in his reply. '37,' he said before the two laughed and embraced each other.
Kohli also jokingly urged Gayle to return for RCB one more year in IPL 2025 as an 'Impact Substitute'.
"Kaka, come back next year; Impact Player is on now. You don't have to field anymore. It's designed for you," Kohli said.
Gayle joined RCB in 2011 and played seven seasons for them and scored 3163 runs for the franchise. He hit six centuries for them including the highest-ever IPL and T20 score of 175*. He also holds the record for most sixes in IPL- 357.