'Can't play as impact player': Kohli's statement sparks speculation - was he targeting someone?

NEW DELHI: Even arsenic Royal Challengers Bengaluru yet lifted their maiden Indian Premier League rubric successful 2025, ending a astir two-decade-long wait, it was Virat Kohli's post-match words that sparked conversations acold beyond the bound ropes.Following RCB's six-run triumph implicit Punjab Kings successful a gripping last astatine the Narendra Modi Stadium successful Ahmedabad, an affectional Kohli stole the spotlight — not conscionable for the tears, the turf kiss, oregon his long-awaited hands connected the trophy — but for a punctuation that present has fans wondering: Was Virat Kohli targeting someone?Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!While speaking with erstwhile Australia opener Matthew Hayden connected the field, Kohli was asked astir the relentless passionateness and thrust that continues to specify his game. His reply, present going viral, was some heartfelt and pointed:Who's that IPL player?“Well, I person an accidental to play this crippled for not galore years, truthful determination is an extremity day to our vocation arsenic you know.

And by the clip that I bent up my boots I privation to beryllium astatine location and accidental I gave it everything I had. So I look for ways to improve. I can't play arsenic an interaction player. I privation to field, I privation to tract 20 overs and marque an interaction successful the field. That's the benignant of subordinate I am, I person been.”

The remark struck a chord, not conscionable with fans but besides wrong cricketing circles, arsenic Kohli made it clear: playing lone arsenic a batter doesn't align with his ethos.

In the epoch of the 'Impact Player' regularisation — wherever respective seasoned stars and young talents are fielded purely for their batting oregon bowling — Kohli's declaration felt some idiosyncratic and philosophical.

Was it a veiled connection to those choosing to bounds their roles? Or simply a reflection of his enduring strength and commitment?“I'm truthful precise grateful for this victory. So thankful to God for giving it successful my thigh yet tonight,” Kohli concluded, adding different affectional furniture to a nighttime that saw RCB, and their captain-in-spirit, yet crowned champions.Either way, Virat Kohli has erstwhile again reminded everyone wherefore helium remains much than conscionable a sanction connected the squad sheet.