IPL poetic justice for Virat Kohli, finally

IPL poetic justice for Virat Kohli, finally

Is there a case for comparison between Virat Kohli and Lionel Messi?

Kohli's case was similar but presented a kind of reverse vacuum. He had won it all – the ICC U-19 World Cup in 2008, the ODI World Cup in 2011, Champions Trophies in 2013 and 2025, multiple Asia Cups, the ICC Test Mace (for three consecutive years), and the T20 World Cup in 2024. One trophy, though, continued to elude him – the IPL.

Mike Hesson on Kohli's passion, longevity, intensity, and loyalty

"For him it's all about winning games for RCB," said Mike Hesson, hailing Kohli for his passion, longevity, intensity, and loyalty. Kohli is one of the four players active since the IPL's inception in 2008 – MS Dhoni, Rohit Sharma, and Manish Pandey being the other three – and the only one to have stayed with the same franchise for all 18 seasons.

IPL glory is poetic justice

"I for one am absolutely delighted for him. I don't think anyone deserved it more for the amount he's given and the dedication and the patience, I guess the patience and commitment to RCB to keep pushing to win that first title. So there was a real desire, hunger, and genuineness about it. So yeah, I watched it from afar and egged on RCB. I'm as happy as anyone," Hesson stated.

Kohli's IPL records

Most runs in the IPL (8661, leads the second-placed batter by more than 1500 runs), most 500-plus runs (eight) in an IPL edition, third most IPL caps (267), 10 appearances in the IPL play-offs, four final appearances, most hundreds (eight), most fifties (63), maximum runs in a season (973 in 2016), and most fours (771) – few players are more deserving of the IPL honors.

Hesson on Kohli's intensity and evolution

"Look, when I think about Virat, I talk about the intensity that he brings from a team perspective," Hesson remarked. "And that to me, along with the fact he's had five seasons of 600-plus runs… they dictate the outcome of the games."

"He's evolved with the game. So the fact the game pace has changed, scores are higher, he hasn't got lost in that. You know, he's actually just, he's just pushed himself and he's got better and you know, strike rates have improved."

R Sridhar on Kohli's passion, longevity, and intensity

"What stands out most about Virat are his passion, longevity, and unwavering intensity. Even after 18 years, he brings the same fire, the same impact, and the same fierce commitment that marked his debut season. His intensity becomes even more evident when compared to others who've been around since the early years – it simply hasn't dimmed. And Virat's influence extends well beyond RCB. His dedication to fitness and discipline has inspired others across teams to adopt similar regimens. He's like an avalanche – starting small, but eventually growing into a towering force."

Kohli's heartbreak of 2016

Virat Kohli has never shied away from speaking out about the heartbreak of 2016. Recently he dwelt on the dual setbacks of the season – losing to the West Indies in the T20 World Cup semifinal and loss in the IPL final to SunRisers Hyderabad.

Bharat Arun on Kohli's desperation

"I'm certain he's spoken in the dressing room, maybe even in the pre-match huddle. With 18 seasons under his belt – remarkably, all with the same franchise – he brings unparalleled continuity and experience," Arun continued. "Is he desperate? I'm not so sure. After all, he's already won everything else there is. An IPL trophy would be the icing on the cake – not just for him, but for the loyal RCB fans who've stood by him all these years."

Sanjay Bangar on Kohli's desire

"There was perhaps more desire than desperation. For someone who has scaled the peaks of international cricket and won five ICC titles, an IPL trophy cannot be a miss. The IPL is a domestic competition, while World Cups and Champions Trophies are on global stages. Yes, the IPL title is the only major trophy missing from his cabinet, but I wouldn't say he was desperate. He was certainly deeply committed to the pursuit of IPL glory and has given it his all across 18 seasons for the franchise and the RCB fans."

The wait is finally over for Kohli

The Season 18 of the IPL was a great spectacle in many ways. It will be remembered for many things, but the enduring image will be that of tears streaming down Kohli's face.