As IPL 2023 is approaching, cricket fans are gearing up to witness another exciting season of one of the most popular cricket leagues in the world. In the lead-up to the tournament, experts have been reminiscing about some of the greatest moments from the league’s history. Recently, during a broadcast by Star Sports, former India batting coach Sanjay Bangar recalled one of Virat Kohli’s most memorable innings in the league.
Kohli has been a part of Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) since the inception of the IPL in 2008, and his journey with the franchise has been a rollercoaster ride. From being a young player to becoming the captain of the team, Virat Kohli has played a crucial role in the franchise’s journey so far. Although RCB has never won the IPL trophy, Kohli has had some outstanding performances for the team throughout his 15-year stint.
Sanjay Bangar picked one of Kohli’s 2016 centuries as his most special moment for the team. In that match, Kohli displayed his grit and determination to score a hundred despite having stitches in his hand. The match in question was against Kings XI Punjab, now known as Punjab Kings. The match was reduced to 15 overs due to rain, and Kohli, along with Chris Gayle, gave RCB a flying start with an opening partnership of 147 runs. Kohli scored a scintillating 113 off 53 balls, which included 12 fours and eight sixes, before being dismissed by Sandeep Sharma.
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Kohli’s performance in the 2016 season was undoubtedly his best with RCB, where he won the Orange Cap for scoring the most runs in the tournament and notched up the highest total any batter has ever put up in a season in tournament history. He scored 973 runs in 16 matches, including four centuries, which is joint-highest in a season.
RCB has been one of the most popular teams in the IPL, but they have never won the tournament despite making it to the final thrice. Kohli and the team will be looking to change that in the upcoming season under the captaincy of Faf du Plessis. Although Kohli is no longer the captain of the team, he remains the most high-profile player and will play a crucial role in the team’s success.
In conclusion, Sanjay Bangar’s recollection of Virat Kohli’s classic century in the 2016 IPL season is a testament to the player’s exceptional skills and determination. Kohli and RCB will be looking to replicate that success in the upcoming season and finally lift the coveted IPL trophy.