Virat Kohli has returned to the Indian Premier League with immediate impact, delivering a match-winning performance for Royal Challengers Bengaluru in their season opener against Sunrisers Hyderabad. The veteran batter appears focused on helping RCB defend the title they secured for the first time last season.

Interestingly, Kohli entered the tournament without a prolonged preparation phase. After India’s last ODI assignment in January, he took a break before travelling to England and has since been spending more time in London with his family. The move, aimed at staying away from the constant spotlight in India, hasn’t impacted his performances, as he continues to deliver on the field.

However, his decision to base himself in London has sparked chatter on social media, with some even poking fun at the situation. Addressing the buzz in a light-hearted exchange with Danish Sait, who appeared in his popular Mr Nags persona, Kohli was asked about the jokes suggesting RCB were fielding five overseas players.

Kohli, smiling, brushed it off with humour: “I don’t know, why are you asking me? Ask the overseas players. I am not an overseas player. Am I an overseas player?”

Reflecting on RCB’s long-awaited title win, Kohli spoke about the emotional release that followed years of near-misses. Winning the trophy in his 18th season with the franchise brought a sense of relief that he had long chased.

“I had heard of this statement or this saying, four years, monkey off the back. That night I really felt what it means. Everything became light,” he added.

The former India captain also offered a deeper perspective on what success represents after years of dedication and perseverance. For Kohli, victory is not just about the result but about validation of the effort invested over time.

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“Victory is the accumulation of hard work, all the sacrifices you’ve made, to be committed to the sport. It all comes together as a form of assurance, a reward, to know that you haven’t wasted your time. A lot of people learn from losses, but a lot of people can get very disheartened as well. So when you win after a lot of hard work, it makes you feel a sense of justice to the work that you put in, and also gives you motivation to work harder,” Kohli said.