Wasim Akram Fires Back at Kevin Pietersen: ‘Virat Kohli’s Loyalty to RCB is His Decision Alone’

Wasim Akram has strongly reacted to Kevin Pietersen's suggestion that Virat Kohli should leave Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) to win an IPL title. Following RCB's elimination in the IPL 2024 Eliminator, Pietersen proposed that Kohli should switch franchises to seek better chances of winning the trophy.

Kevin Pietersen said

Pietersen, speaking on Star Sports, stated, "I have said it before and I will say it again -- the greats of the game in other sports have left teams to go and seek glory somewhere else. When he has tried and tried so hard -- won the Orange Cap yet again and done so much yet again and the franchise fails again. I understand for the brand of the team and the commercial value he brings to the team… But Virat Kohli deserves a trophy. He deserves to play in a team that could help him to get that trophy."

Wasim Akram responded

Akram, in an interview with Sportskeeda, countered this view firmly, saying the decision should be Kohli's alone. He emphasized that Kohli's dedication to RCB should not be undermined by suggestions to leave for another team.

"I've a very strict answer. Kevin is a very good friend of mine. All these foreign ex-players, who do the commentary, they tweet about everything related to India. I'm all for it… it's probably right but it's not a big deal for me. It's a big deal for Kohli, maybe. He wants to win for RCB, what would changing the team do for him, then? He wants to win for RCB, that's his call. That's my opinion. I don't want to speak on everything, that's what I've learned,” Akram remarked.

Furthermore, Akram pointed out RCB's auction strategies as a significant factor in their performance struggles, particularly criticizing their decision to part ways with Yuzvendra Chahal. "It depends on which players they pick in auction. This season, their bowling wasn't up to the standard, especially when they play at home. It's a high-scoring venue. Their batting was fine, but their bowling… you let go of Chahal, I still can't understand that decision. Their coach (Mike Hesson) had said that they thought they would buy him back, but they didn't have the money left. Make sure you had enough money to buy that player back. It cost them in the middle overs. Hopefully, next year, they will be better prepared with their bowling," Akram said.

Kohli has reiterated his commitment to RCB, expressing his desire to retire with the franchise.

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