Virat Kohli has this to say about Bangalore fans

Over the years, Virat Kohli had been synonymous with the Bangalore-based franchise. He is one of the few players to have played for just one team in the history of the Indian T20 league. There have been several instances where he has gone on record to state that he will never leave the franchise.

Although he quit Bangalore's captaincy after the 2021 edition, he continues to be an integral part of the side. The first game of the Indian T20 league 2022 saw him score an unbeaten 41 off 29 balls. Yet, his efforts went in vain as Punjab managed to beat Bangalore by five wickets.

Nevertheless, the fans would expect Kohli to continue playing like this. When it comes to the batting maestro, he recently expressed his gratitude towards the fans. While speaking on Bangalore's Bold Diaries before Bangalore's game against Punjab, the 33-year-old spoke about how big Bangalore's fanbase truly is. 

“In the Test match as well, I understood the power of our (Bangalore) fanbase. Throughout the two and a half days, I think for two days I only heard the name of our franchise in the stadium and it was so loud. It was as loud as the 2016 season or the final. It was amazing. It gave me goosebumps. It made me a little emotional of all the memories that we’ve had.

I’m very excited and I’m extremely grateful. I’ve understood the impact and the contribution of people coming to the stadiums, in my career. Because, as much as you feel sometimes ‘man! We’re getting booed, we’re getting a little bit of stick from the crowd’ and ‘century maarna hai.’ And you sometimes get annoyed as a player, honestly," said Virat Kohli.

He then narrated an incident where his wife Anushka Sharma spoke about the importance of these fans. Kohli then expressed his gratitude towards the fans and said he is excited to see them back in the stadiums. The batter was hoping that more people would come to watch the games as the Indian T20 league 2022 progresses.

“This is a very honest feeling of mine, we had a conversation about this, me and Anushka, she was like ‘you must realize the importance and you must acknowledge the fact that the crowd has played such a huge role in your career.’ Because, now when I look back at it, I fed off 40,000 – 50,000 people’s shouting. It drove me to a different level, where I felt like anything is possible, I could do anything. I have the energy of so many people behind me. They believe in me; they’re looking forward to something from me. So, I’m very grateful to them, firstly. And secondly, I’m very happy (that) they’re back in the stands. Hopefully, we’ll get more and more of them as the tournament goes on," he added.