After the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 match between Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Punjab Kings (PBKS) at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association (HPCA) Stadium in Dharamsala on Thursday (May 9), RCB’s star batter Virat Kohli took a heartwarming initiative. Despite RCB securing a 60-run victory over PBKS and knocking them out of the tournament, Kohli extended a gracious gesture by meeting the family members of PBKS players.
RCB’s dominant performance
RCB’s playoff aspirations were kept alive by their impressive performance, posting a formidable score of 241/7, courtesy of brilliant innings from Kohli (92), Rajat Patidar (55) and Cameron Green (46). In response, PBKS could only muster 181 runs in their allotted 20 overs. Despite valiant efforts from Rilee Rossouw (61 off 27 balls) and Shashank Singh (37 off 17 balls), PBKS fell short.
Also READ: Anil Kumble makes special appeal to Virat Kohli ahead of T20 World Cup 2024
Virat Kohli’s heartfelt gesture
After the intense match, where players from PBKS and RCB engaged in post-match discussions, Kohli went a step further by reaching out to the family members of Harpreet Brar and Arshdeep Singh, two players from PBKS. In a heartwarming moment captured in a video shared by Pbks on its social media platform, the esteemed RCB batter warmly greeted the families of the Punjab cricketers with a traditional namaste, fostering an atmosphere of warmth and camaraderie. Amidst shared laughter and smiles, Kohli took the time to pose for photographs with Harpreet and Arshdeep’s family members, exemplifying the spirit of sportsmanship and mutual respect in the IPL fraternity.
Here’s the video:
How many times have you watched this reel? 🥹❤️
Admin – Yes.#SaddaPunjab #PunjabKings #JazbaHaiPunjabi #TATAIPL2024 #PBKSvRCB pic.twitter.com/nOW13UgdkZ
— Punjab Kings (@PunjabKingsIPL) May 10, 2024
Kohli’s batting brilliance and impact in IPL 2024
Meanwhile, Kohli’s performance with the bat was exemplary, showcasing aggression and finesse. His innings of 92 runs, comprising seven fours and six sixes, were played at a staggering strike rate of 195.74. During this remarkable knock, Kohli achieved the milestone of scoring 600 runs in the ongoing IPL season, making him the first player to do so.
Furthermore, he became the first batter in IPL history to accumulate over 1000 runs against different opponents, achieving this feat against PBKS, Delhi Capitals (DC) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK). Currently leading the race for the Orange Cap, Kohli has amassed 634 runs in 12 matches at an average of 70.44 and a strike rate of 153.51. Despite RCB’s seventh position in the points table, with five wins in 12 outings and a total of 10 points, Kohli’s individual brilliance remains a highlight of their campaign.
Also WATCH: Virat Kohli teases Rilee Rossouw’s wicket with a ‘gun celebration’ during PBKS vs RCB clash | IPL 2024
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