Virat Kohli’s performance in the IPL 2024 was nothing short of remarkable as he amassed 741 runs in 15 innings at an average of 61.75 and a strike rate of 154.69, including one hundred and five half-centuries.
Kohli finished the season as the leading run-getter, helping RCB qualify for the playoffs despite winning only one of their initial eight matches.
While RCB were on a six-match winning streak, they lost to Rajasthan Royals in the all-important Eliminator by four wickets. With this outcome, RCB’s trophy cabinet remained empty for another year.
As KKR lifted the IPL 2024 trophy on Sunday (May 26), former CSK and MI batter Ambati Rayudu found another reason to take a dig at Royal Challengers Bengaluru.
"Congratulations to the KKR team for really standing up for stalwarts like Narine, Russell and Starc and also contribute their share in the team's win. That's how a team wins the IPL. We have seen this over the years. It's not the Orange Cap that wins you the IPL but it is the contributions like 300 runs each (of many players)," Rayudu said in a chat on Star Sports.
He also gave a bizarre statement, suggesting that Virat Kohli should lower his standards as other batters in the RCB camp feel pressure to match him.
"Virat Kohli is a stalwart and a legend there in the team. He sets so high standards which puts pressure on the youngsters to emulate him. So, Virat needs to lower his standards a bit so that the youngsters can be in a good state of mind in the dressing room," Rayudu remarked.
When RCB were knocked out of the IPL 2024 last week, Ambati Rayudu had slammed their management, claiming that they value individual milestones over team titles.
"My heart truly goes out to all the rcb supporters who have passionately supported the team over the years. If only the management and the leaders had the teams interests ahead of individual milestones .. rcb would have won multiple titles. Just remember how many fantastic players have been let go off. Force your management to bring players who will put teams interests first. A great new chapter can start from the mega auction," Rayudu had said in a post on social media.
Meanwhile, KKR defeated Sunrisers Hyderabad in the IPL 2024 final at Chepauk to clinch the coveted trophy for the third time.
Opting to bat first, SRH’s innings folded for a paltry 113 in 18.3 overs. It was a listless batting display as no one managed to touch the 30-run mark. Skipper Pat Cummins was the top scorer with 24 off 19 balls.
Mitchell Starc starred with the ball for KKR, returning with the figures of 2 for 14 in three overs. Andre Russel (3-19), Harshit Rana (2-24) and Vaibhav Arora (1-24) shared three wickets among them.
In reply, KKR overhauled the target with eight wickets and 57 deliveries to spare. While Rahmanullah Gurbaz scored 39 off 32 balls at the top, Venkatesh Iyer stayed unbeaten on 52 off 26 balls to seal the deal.
