Virat Kohli, the iconic face of Indian cricket and a powerhouse of batting prowess, made a much-anticipated return to the cricketing arena as preparations for the 2024 Indian Premier League gain momentum. Following a significant hiatus, the palpable excitement among fans was unmistakable, all eager to catch a glimpse of the cricketer often referred to as the ‘King’ of the pitch. Known for his impassioned approach to the game, Virat Kohli was ushered onto the stage during RCB’s Unbox event, joining Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) captain Faf du Plessis and women’s team captain Smriti Mandhana on Tuesday, March 19.
The attendance of this revered sportsman at the RCB Unbox event, held within the iconic confines of the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, sent ripples of exhilaration through the crowd. Danish Sait, RCB’s insider, couldn’t resist sticking to what has become almost a ritual, greeting the former India captain with the regal moniker. The crowd responded with a staggering volume of cheers, as Sait posed the question, “How is the King feeling?”
While the adulation was undoubtedly affectionate, Kohli made an earnest plea that painted a humble image contrasting his illustrious ‘King’ label. With the audience’s cheers inhibiting the flow of conversation, the intensity of the fandom was evident, prompting Sait to seek silence to allow Kohli to speak. Kohli himself, albeit smilingly, requested a moment’s quiet from the sea of supporters before addressing the elephantine sentiment in the room.
He gently chided the crowd, highlighting his desire for a more personable approach, “Let me talk. Guys, we have to get to Chennai pretty quickly tonight, we have a charter flight so we don’t have much time (laughs). Firstly, you need to stop calling me that word [King]. I was telling Faf that I feel very embarrassed every year when you call me that and then they react like that. Just call me Virat please from now on. Don’t use that word, it’s very embarrassing.”
The enigmatic cricketer’s humble request resonated with his fans and became a viral sensation as the event was livestreamed on YouTube. Beyond the celebration of Kohli’s return, the event itself was a landmark, reflecting a decade since the renaming of Bangalore city to Bengaluru. The Bengaluru franchise’s dedication to the city was mirrored in its rebranding from Royal Challengers Bangalore to Bengaluru, solidifying its local ties.
A major highlight of the evening was the launch of the RCB team’s new anthem, a sonic creation by global pop star and celebrated composer Alan Walker. Walker’s presence, alongside a lineup of other prominent performers, underscored the grandeur of the event. Culminating the festivities was the unveiling of the team’s latest jersey, a tangible emblem of the new season to come.
It wasn’t just about the music and merchandise; the evening had a palpable sense of anticipation for the team’s inaugural match of the 2024 IPL season against the Chennai Super Kings (CSK), set for Friday, March 22. With new threads, a fresh team anthem, and the return of their esteemed player Virat Kohli, Royal Challengers Bengaluru signaled a potent readiness to face the challenges of the forthcoming season.
Fans will be closely monitoring Kohli’s performance throughout the season after his frank disavowal of royal titles, preferring to script his legacy anew, not as a king, but simply as Virat, the cricketer with a passion that transcends monarchical metaphors.
