Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) star batter Virat Kohli asserted that he doesn't wish to play as an impact player and wishes to affect the game with his fielding. As a result, netizens wondered if the right-handed batter had taken an indirect dig at Rohit Sharma.
The 36-year-old had been part of the Royal Challengers since 2008 and led the franchise for numerous years but they didn't lift the trophy. However, the right-handed batter refused to play for any other franchise. With Hazlewood sealing the win only after the first two balls of the 20th over, Kohli was filled massively with emotions as his quest of winning the IPL trophy was finally fulfilled.
Speaking to Matthew Hayden after the game, the Delhi-born cricketer said he wants to look back at his career and to be able to say that he gave everything. He elaborated:
"Well, I have an opportunity to play this game for not many years. So there is an end date to our career, as you know. And by the time that I hang up my boots, I want to sit at home and say I gave it everything I had. So I look for ways to improve. I cannot play as an impact player. I want to field 20 overs and make an impact in the field. That is the kind of player I have been. And God blessed me with that perspective, with the talent."
With Rohit Sharma playing as an impact player in IPL 2025 for a handful of matches, here are some of netizens reactions:
"Never thought this day would come" - Virat Kohli
Speaking to Matthew Hayden after the game, the Delhi-born cricketer said it belongs to the fans as much as anyone and said he wishes to celebrate it with AB de Villiers.
This win is as much for the fans as it is for the team. It's been 18 long years. I've given this team my youth, prime and experience. I've tried to win it every season, gave it everything I have. To finally have it is an unbelievable feeling. Never thought this day would come, I was overcome with emotion after the last ball was bowled. Gave each and every ounce of my energy and it's an amazing feeling. What ABD has done for the franchise is tremendous, told him 'this win is as much yours as it is ours. I want you to celebrate with us'"
