Former Indian batter Ambati Rayudu once again took a jab at his ex-teammate Virat Kohli after the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) triumphed over the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai in the final of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 on Sunday.
Rayudu commended the collective efforts of the KKR unit in their title-winning campaign in IPL 2024. Previously, he had criticised the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) management for prioritising individual interests over the team’s benefit. Kohli secured the Orange Cap for IPL 2024 by scoring 741 runs in 15 matches, including five centuries and a ton.
"Congratulations to the KKR team for really standing up for stalwarts like Narine, Russell, and Starc, and also contributing their share in the team's win. That's how a team wins the IPL. We have seen this over the years. It's not the Orange Cap that wins you the IPL but it is the contributions like 300 runs each or 400 each," Rayudu said in the aftermath of KKR's victory.
Rayudu was displeased with RCB and their exuberant celebrations following their victory in their final league stage match against CSK in Bengaluru earlier this week. After they were defeated by the Rajasthan Royals (RR) in the Eliminator, Rayudu remarked, "My heart truly goes out to all the RCB supporters who have passionately supported the team over the years. If only the management and the leaders had the team's interests ahead of individual milestones."
"RCB would have won multiple titles. Just remember how many fantastic players have been let go. Force your management to bring players who will put the team's interests first. A great new chapter can start from the mega auction," he added.
Kohli had a remarkable stint opening the batting for RCB. He amassed 741 runs at an average of 61.75, with a strike rate of 154.70. He hit 62 fours and 38 sixes. This campaign saw a significant enhancement in his big-hitting abilities, resulting in his highest-ever IPL strike rate. Previously, his best was in 2016, when he scored at a rate of 152.03.
- Virat Kohli
