“It’s not the orange cap that wins IPL”: Ambati Rayudu’s Fresh Swipe on RCB, Virat Kohli

As Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) clinched the 2024 Indian Premier League (IPL) title, former Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indian batsman Ambati Rayudu found another reason to attack Royal Challengers Bengaluru. Rayudu, who has been chasing the Bengaluru franchise relentlessly since their exit from IPL 2024, took a fresh jab, saying that it is not the Orange Cap that wins a team the title, but collective performances. It was Virat who clinched the run-scorer title this year, aggregating over 700 runs until his team was knocked out in the Eliminator by Rajasthan Royals.

“Congratulations to the KKR team for really defending fielders like Narine, Russell and Starc and also contributing their part in the team’s victory. This is how a team wins the IPL. We have seen this over the years. It’s not the Orange Cap you win the IPL, but they are contributions like 300 runs each (from many players),” Rayudu said in a chat on Star Sports.

“It’s not the orange cap that makes you win IPL” pic.twitter.com/7bW16z29k3

-Manojkumar (@Manojkumar_099) May 26, 2024

Rayudu even suggested that Virat should lower his standards as other batsmen in the team feel pressure to match the Indian great’s contributions.

“Virat Kohli is a stalwart and a legend in the team. He sets such high standards that he pressures young people to imitate him. mind in the locker room”, Rayudu emphasized.

A few days ago, Rayudu criticized the mismanagement of RCB chiefs, saying they prefer individual milestones over team titles. This management approach is the reason why RCB have not won a title in 17 seasons, Rayudu highlighted.

“My heart truly goes out to all the RCB fans who have passionately supported the team over the years. If only the management and leaders had the team’s interests ahead of individual milestones… rcb would have won multiple titles. players were released. Force your management to bring in players who put the teams’ interests first. A great new chapter can begin with the mega auction,” Rayudu said in a social media post.

Although Kohli has consistently delivered runs to RCB over the years, he has not enjoyed the necessary support from the other end of the field. Even the franchise’s bowling department has historically struggled to produce consistency.