Virat Kohli has put an end to the chatter around being labelled an “overseas player” for Royal Challengers Bengaluru after relocating to London. The comment began as a social media joke, with some suggesting RCB were effectively playing with an extra overseas player because Kohli now lives abroad. Responding to it, Kohli laughed off the idea and made it clear that nothing about his cricketing identity has changed.
In a witty reply, he even questioned why he was being asked this instead of actual overseas players, before firmly shutting down the claim.
Why did the discussion start?
Kohli’s move to London has drawn attention mainly because of his desire for a more private life. Constant public scrutiny in India made everyday routines difficult, and shifting base offered him and his family more normalcy. RCB has posted a video where host Danish Sait tossed the question in his popular Mr Nags avatar. Kohli responded to the chatter and said, “People are saying RCB are playing five overseas players, I am not understanding what they are saying, actually.”
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Adding to that, he said, "I don't know, why are you asking me? Ask the overseas players. I am not an overseas player. Am I an overseas player?"
Still central to India and RCB
Despite living abroad, Kohli continues to represent India and remains a key player for RCB in the IPL. His availability, role, and status in the team remain unchanged. Kohli also opened up on winning the 18th season and said, “ I had heard of this statement or this saying, monkey off the back. That night I really felt what it means. Everything became light.”
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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 added.
The “overseas player” tag is nothing more than online banter. Kohli may be based in London, but his cricketing identity remains firmly Indian, both in international cricket and the IPL.
