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In the build-up to Royal Challengers Bengaluru taking on Chennai Super Kings in the IPL 2024 clash, Virat Kohli spoke with his former Indian teammate Suresh Raina on JioCinema about the viral fan chant, “Kohli ko bowling do (Give bowling to Kohli).” The former RCB captain was unable to contain his laughter while acknowledging the fan’s desire to see him bowl, but at the same time, he stated that it will bring down his batting confidence.
Notably, Virat Kohli bowled in the ODI World Cup 2023 for India after Hardik Pandya was ruled out of the tournament due to an injury. He also picked up the wicket of Netherlands captain Scott Edwards during the last group stage match of the quadrennial event at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru.
When Suresh Raina mentioned to Virat Kohli about his performance with the ball in the ODI World Cup 2023, he cut him short. Kohli said, “IPL mein nahi karunga. 2-3 baar puch rahe hain bowling do. Maine kaha bhai maaf kar do (I won’t be bowling in the IPL. People were asking about giving bowling to me. I said please let me be).”
“Aur woh bhi wahan jahan Mumbai ne 15 over mein 200 bana diye. Usmein keh rahe hain, Kohli ko bowling do. Maine kaha, paagal ho gaye ho kya bhai, batting ka confidence bhi khatam ho jaayega (And that too in the game where Mumbai Indians scored 200 in 15 overs. In that they were like give bowling to Kohli. I was like, are you people mad or something? Even the batting confidence will go away),” Virat Kohli added.
Moreover, the upcoming clash in the IPL 2024 for Royal Challengers Bengaluru is a must-win against Chennai Super Kings at the M. Chinnaswamy Bengaluru. Only a convincing victory will help RCB qualify through to the playoffs this season.
Here is the clip of Virat acknowledging the chant "Kohli ko bowling do":
