Former India pacer Ajit Agarkar has reckoned that leading a high-profile franchise like the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in the cash-rich Indian Premier League (IPL) has helped Virat Kohli in his international career as well.
Notably, Kohli has been leading RCB since 2013 however, he is yet to lay his hands on the coveted trophy.
Speaking in Star Sports’ show ‘Cricket Connected’, Agarkar said that IPL’s impact on Kohli’s career has been ‘massive’.
“Massive! We saw how quick his progress in international cricket has been. So, when you do well there, you are already confident, but then, to be captain of a franchise with such a big fan base, and be as consistent as he is, it certainly helped. You’re under pressure every day when you go out to play for RCB. Playing for India is just as big or bigger, but you still are under pressure day in and day out,” Agarkar said in the show.
“When you keep getting runs, you know your psyche is just built and you are at ease with your game and he has done that. I think being captain and getting runs certainly has helped him in his international career as well. I’m sure he’d say that IPL has had a huge say on his career as overall as it has panned out,” he added.
At present. RCB is placed second in the IPL points table with six points from three games as the Kohli-led side has won all of their games this season.
RCB will next face the Sanju Samson-led Rajasthan Royals (RR) at the Wankhede Stadium on Thursday evening.