Virat Kohli and Pat Cummins, two of the most celebrated cricketers of the modern era, will once again lock horns in the Indian Premier League (IPL) on Thursday when Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) host Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad.
The camaraderie between the two champion cricketers was evident during a joint training session, but Cummins couldn’t resist a cheeky dig when asked about his favorite memory of Kohli.
“My favorite memory of Virat? Can I say when I get him out?,” Cummins said with a smile, referring to his dismissal of Kohli for 54 in the 2023 ODI World Cup final.
Despite their on-field rivalry, Cummins praised Kohli’s unwavering intensity and competitive spirit.
“Someone who has played so much cricket, I admire him for how much he gets up for every game and gets into the contest, whether he is batting or in the field. He plays 100 days a year and he’s up for every single of those games,” Cummins said.
Kohli, who currently leads the Orange Cap standings with 379 runs in 8 matches, will be looking to continue his impressive form against SRH. In RCB’s earlier match against the Sunrisers this season, Kohli scored 42.
Cummins, who also led Australia to the 2023 ODI World Cup triumph, acknowledged the competitive nature of both himself and Kohli on the field, but emphasized their relaxed demeanor off it.
“We are both super competitive. I think off the field Virat is pretty relaxed and I am (also) pretty relaxed off the field,” said the SRH skipper.
The match between SRH and RCB promises to be a thrilling encounter, with both teams looking to strengthen their positions in the IPL standings. Kohli and Cummins will undoubtedly be at the heart of the action, showcasing their exceptional skills and competitive spirit.
