‘I’ll quit cricket’: Virat Kohli forced to eat his words after playing as Impact Player for RCB against LSG

On Wednesday at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium, that stance came full circle. A half-fit Kohli was named as an Impact Player for RCB’s clash against Lucknow Super Giants, and went on to script a match-defining 49 that powered his side to a five-wicket win and the top of the table.

‘I will quit cricket’

Those words were not said in a public interview, but were revealed by former RCB teammate Swastik Chikara, who spoke about Kohli’s firm stance on the rule.

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Speaking to RevSportz last year, Chikara recalled Kohli’s clarity on the matter, that he would only play if fully fit and would not embrace the Impact Player role.

“Virat bhaiya said, ‘Jab tak cricket khelunga, jab tak main poora fit hoon. Ye Impact Player ki tarah nahi khelunga. Main sher ki tarah khelunga. I will field for the full 20 overs and then bat. The day I have to play as an Impact Player, I will quit cricket’.”

What led to the switch?

Kohli had picked up an ankle injury during the match against Mumbai Indians last week at the Wankhede Stadium, five deliveries into the 10th over of RCB’s innings. He received treatment on the field before walking off and did not take part in the second innings.

Ahead of the LSG clash, Kohli was seen training with a heavily strapped left leg, sparking doubts over his availability. He went through light running drills but did not appear to be moving freely.

While captain Rajat Patidar made no mention of Kohli at the toss, the veteran was left out of the starting XI. However, he came in as an Impact Player in the second innings and opened alongside Phil Salt.

Despite the fitness concerns, Kohli looked in sublime touch, taking on Mohammed Shami and Prince Yadav with a flurry of boundaries. He raced to 40 off his first 20 balls, setting the tone in the powerplay, before falling just short of a half-century, dismissed by Avesh Khan.

His brisk knock ensured RCB chased down 147 in just 15.1 overs.

‘Still not 100%’

Kohli later admitted he was far from fully fit but was pleased with his approach.

“I’m still not 100%. My knee was a bit sore last game. Even health-wise, I’ve been under the weather for four or five days,” he said.

“I started off well, so I was happy with my intensity. Would have liked to finish the game, but sometimes you have to take conditions into account.”

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