Royal Challengers Bengaluru defeated Punjab Kings to bag their first win of the Indian Premier League 2024. Virat Kohli set up the win for the Bengaluru franchise by hitting a stroke-filled 77 runs off just 49 balls in a tricky pitch at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium on Monday, 25 March. Kohli was adjudged the player of the match for his sensational innings and at the post-match presentation, he opened up on his 2-month-long personal break for the first time. Speaking to the broadcaster, Kohli said that it was surreal for him and his family to not be under the constant watch of the media and the fans.
Kohli had travelled to England with his family for the birth of his second child and had chosen to skip the India vs England Test series. Kohli said that it was surreal to feel like a normal person in the streets where no one recognised him. The former RCB and India captain said that he got time to connect with his eldest child Vamika when he was in England in the months of February and March.
“We were not in the country. Just to feel normal for two months – for me, my family – it was a surreal experience. Couldn’t have been more grateful to God for the opportunity to spend time with the family. It’s an amazing experience to just be another person on the road and not be recognised,” Kohli said at the presentation ceremony.
Kohli returned to India just before the Indian Premier League 2024. The senior batter attended RCB’s Unbox event on March 19 and trained with the team. Kohli looked rusty on return against Chennai Super Kings and was only able to score 21 off 20 balls. However, against Punjab Kings, Kohli was back at his very best, driving a tricky chase for his team. Luck was in Kohli’s favour on the day, as the batter was dropped for 0 in the first over of RCB’s batting.
