Ahead of the 13th VIVO IPL, 13 Kya Hoga Kohliya?

New Zealand v India Series - T20: Game 1

Just when you think you have seen it all, sport has a knack for pleasantly surprising you. How else would you explain the phenomenon of a fan, all the way in Auckland, reminding us that one of Virat Kohli’s biggest quests this year would be to win the Indian Premier League finally?

The 1st New Zealand vs India T20 International thoroughly entertained fans not just with the T20 masterclass from Team India’s batsmen but also when we saw a fan hold up a banner and direct a question to Virat Kohli: ‘13 Kya Hoga Kohli-ya?’

Indian Premier League 2020 - the 13th edition of the biggest franchise in India - is just months away and an ardent Virat Kohli fan couldn’t help but ask, ‘13 Kya Hoga Kohli-ya?’, will the 13th edition be his to win? On being interviewed about the stir she created, she said, “I am a huge fan of Virat Kohli and I have waited 12 years for him to win the Indian Premier League. This sign is to tell him that the 13th season is when he wins the Indian Premier League; I truly hope with all my might and heart that he does!”

And Twitter did not disappoint, by having quite a funny take on this fan’s passionate plea.

As a result, we have compiled a list of three intriguing questions that need to be answered before the Indian Premier League 2020 begins, and we could speak on behalf of Virat Kohli's whole fan base (continued on the next page)…

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Question #1: How have RCB fared under Kohli?

Question #2: How has Kohli grown as a captain in the time after World Cup and leading up to Indian Premier League?

Question #3: "13 kya hoga Kohliya?"

These three questions analyzed & answered on the next page >

Question #1: How have RCB fared under Kohli?

The south side have been captained by Virat Kohli since the 2013 season. Since then, Royal Challengers Bangalore have managed to reach the play-offs only two times, while managing to qualify for the final only once from there. If that wasn’t all, then their failures in the last three seasons – two bottom-placed finishes – seal the deal for Virat Kohli.

He might be the best batsman in the world, but his leadership in the IPL has been a source of a lot of questions.

RCB-clad Virat Kohli

Question #2: How has Kohli grown as a captain in the time after World Cup and leading up to IPL?

India’s World Cup campaign saw them lose to New Zealand in the semi-final. The Indian captain has been calmer and clearer in his thought-process ever since.

For example, India had used a bunch of players for their number four role but couldn’t decide upon a single player. However, after the World Cup, Kohli backed Shreyas Iyer in the role and thus far, he has repaid Kohli’s faith brilliantly.

Despite some initial struggles, Kohli stuck with Iyer and it seems as though the classy right-handed batsman has sealed his place in the line-up. The Bangalore captain also showed immense faith in Rishabh Pant despite his inconsistent performances for over a year and it was only in the recent Australia tour that he decided to give someone else a chance ahead of the destructive south paw.

To conclude, it feels like Kohli is more patient with his players and planning than ever before.

The Indian captain, Virat Kohli

Question #3: 13 kya hoga Kohliya?

And the most important question ahead of the season is of how he will fare this year. This season, RCB have one of the strongest and most flexible teams in the competition. They can easily use four or five pacers in each game, while also deploying a commendable batting line-up as well as a strong spin-bowling department.

That said, it all comes down to how much conviction and faith Kohli will have in his own plans. Will he able to stick to his guns even if things don’t work in his favour? Or will he quickly change everything the moment his strategy goes awry?

All we can do, is wait until IPL to answer: 13 Kya Hoga Kohli-ya?

Another year with RCB in the IPL, all eyes on Virat Kohli