3 Reasons Why IPL 2024 Will Be Important For Virat Kohli's Future

Virat Kohli Virat Kohli

Virat Kohli, the stalwart of Indian cricket, will kick off his journey in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 as Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) face off against defending champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK) at the Chepauk on Friday, March 22.

In the upcoming IPL 2024, the ex-India and RCB skipper faces a significant test and stakes are high as he heads into the crucial final match. Despite finishing fourth in the run-scoring charts, Virat Kohli will need to step up his game even further in the seventeenth edition of the tournament.

  • T20 WC Scenario: In recent times, Kohli's T20 International (T20I) credentials have come under scrutiny, despite holding the record for the most runs in both T20I cricket and IPL history. Speculations have arisen that Kohli might face exclusion from the T20I squad. This IPL season could serve as a pivotal platform for Kohli to reaffirm his prowess in the shortest format of the game.
  • RCB & his IPL Legacy: Furthermore, RCB's quest for their maiden IPL trophy adds weight to Kohli's shoulders. Despite the women's team, Royal Challengers Bangalore Women, clinching the title in their second season, the men's team has been unsuccessful in securing the championship since the inaugural edition in 2008. With heightened expectations from fans following the success of Smriti Mandhana's team in the Women's Premier League, Kohli's leadership and performance become crucial in ending the 16-year-long drought for RCB.

Moreover, IPL 2024 marks a crucial phase in Kohli's personal IPL career. At 36 years old, Kohli must focus on maintaining his personal branding and securing a long-lasting IPL career akin to veterans like MS Dhoni, Faf du Plessis, Shikhar Dhawan, and Rohit Sharma. With du Plessis assuming captaincy during Kohli's captaincy tenure without an IPL trophy from 2013 to 2021, a lackluster performance this season could dent Kohli's standing in the league.

  • Quashing his 'strike rate' criticisms: Lastly, Kohli faces persistent criticism regarding his strike rate, particularly in the T20 format. While his consistency in scoring runs is undeniable, his relatively slower strike rate compared to contemporary standards has raised eyebrows. With the evolving pace of the game, Kohli's ability to adapt and accelerate his scoring rate will be scrutinized closely in IPL 2024.

In conclusion, IPL 2024 holds immense significance for Virat Kohli's future, providing him with a platform to silence his critics, lead RCB to IPL glory, and cement his legacy in the league.