New Delhi
Former India skipper Virat Kohli has hailed the transformation of women’s cricket in India and expressed admiration for the new generation of cricketers redefining the modern game. Kohli reflected on leadership, longevity, the evolution of T20 cricket and the emotional significance of RCB finally winning their maiden IPL title.
Kohli praised Smriti Mandhana for her elegant batting and ability to perform under pressure on major occasions. He described her as a naturally gifted batter whose timing and strokeplay make her one of the most exciting players to watch in world cricket.
The star batter also lauded Jemimah Rodrigues for her resilience and mental strength during a challenging tournament. Kohli said Rodrigues displayed remarkable composure and focus despite the pressure of facing strong opposition on the big stage.
“There’s no doubt Smriti has always had unique talent. She is an amazing timer of the ball,” Kohli said, adding that Jemimah’s fearless attitude and concentration reflected her tremendous character.
Kohli also spoke about how his perspective towards cricket has evolved over the years. The former India captain said he has now reached a stage in his career where impact and influence matter more to him than records and statistics. According to Kohli, the purpose of playing cricket now lies in inspiring people and contributing positively to the game.
Reflecting on Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s long-awaited IPL triumph, Kohli described the title victory as one of the most emotional moments of his cricketing journey. The championship ended years of heartbreak for the franchise and strengthened his connection with the team and its loyal supporters.
Kohli further acknowledged the fearless approach adopted by young T20 batters but stressed that technique, balance and discipline remain essential despite the changing nature of the format.
The veteran batter has enjoyed another impressive IPL season, scoring consistently for RCB while continuing to remain one of the tournament’s biggest attractions.
