The Indian Premier League, or IPL, has become the biggest cricketing event in the country. With its fast-paced and entertaining format, it has captured the hearts of cricket lovers all over the world. Every year, fans eagerly wait for this tournament to begin and their favorite teams to take the field. And at the center of all this excitement is one man – Virat Kohli.
The Indian cricket team captain, Virat Kohli, is not only a powerhouse on the field but also a role model for millions of youngsters. His passion, determination, and grit have inspired many and his performances in IPL have been nothing short of exceptional. Over the years, he has faced many challenges and fierce competitors, but there is one team that holds a special place in his heart – Mumbai Indians or Kolkata Knight Riders?
When it comes to IPL, Kohli has proven to be a fierce opponent for both Mumbai Indians and Kolkata Knight Riders. However, if we had to choose one team that is his favorite rival, it would have to be Mumbai Indians. It is not just because Mumbai Indians have been the most successful team in IPL with 5 titles, but also because of the intense competition and rivalry between the two teams.
Kohli and Mumbai Indians go a long way back in IPL history. In fact, the first ever IPL match was between Mumbai Indians and Royal Challengers Bangalore, which was led by Kohli at that time. Since then, these two teams have faced each other 28 times in IPL, with Mumbai Indians winning 19 times and RCB winning only 9 times. This head-to-head record is definitely tilted in Mumbai Indians’ favor, but it has not stopped Kohli from giving his best against them.
One of the main reasons why Kohli considers Mumbai Indians as his favorite rival is the healthy competition and respect between the two teams. Despite their fierce on-field rivalry, players from both teams share a good camaraderie off the field. We have often seen Kohli and Rohit Sharma, the captain of Mumbai Indians, sharing a laugh and having a good time together during IPL matches.
Kohli has also faced some of his toughest challenges against Mumbai Indians. In 2012, he had a forgettable season as RCB’s captain, with the team finishing last in the tournament. However, the following year, he bounced back with a bang and led RCB to the final, only to lose against Mumbai Indians. The disappointment of losing in the final was heartbreaking for Kohli, but it also motivated him to come back stronger in the following years.
In 2016, Kohli had one of the most phenomenal seasons in IPL, scoring 973 runs in just 16 matches. However, Mumbai Indians proved to be a stumbling block for him once again as they defeated RCB in the semi-finals. But Kohli never loses hope and continued to give his best against Mumbai Indians. In 2019, he led RCB to a thrilling victory against Mumbai Indians in the league stage, scoring an unbeaten 100. It was a moment of redemption for Kohli and his team.
On the other hand, Kolkata Knight Riders have also been a tough opponent for Kohli and RCB. The two teams have faced each other 26 times in IPL, with KKR winning 15 times and RCB winning 11 times. While the rivalry between the two teams is intense, Kohli has not had as many memorable moments against KKR as he has had against Mumbai Indians.
Kohli’s rivalry with Kolkata Knight Riders dates back to the 2012 season when he had a heated argument with Gautam Gambhir, the then captain of KKR. In the following years, RCB struggled to defeat KKR and their rivalry only intensified. However, in 2016, Kohli led RCB to a victory against KKR in the Eliminator and went on to play the final against Mumbai Indians.
In conclusion, it is safe to say that Mumbai Indians are Virat Kohli’s favorite rival in IPL. The intense competition and respect between the two teams have made the matches between RCB and MI even more exciting. Despite the odds, Kohli has always given his best against Mumbai Indians and has never backed down from a challenge. As we look forward to the upcoming IPL seasons, one thing is for sure – the rivalry between Kohli and Mumbai Indians will continue to entertain and inspire fans all over the world.