'He's not just a king, he's a genius' - Fans react as Virat Kohli says he doesn't want to be called 'King'

Virat Kohli (Image credit: Twitter)

One of the finest cricketers of the current generation, Virat Kohli has won many names over the years from fans across the globe for his batting prowess. Run-machine, chase-master and century-machine are some of the names he is often called by, but the former Indian captain is widely popular as the 'King' for his unparalleled dominance on the field. However, the man himself has now opened up about being called 'the king'.

In a candid session with his Indian T20 League franchise, the former Bangalore captain said he knows why fans call him the King but don't like it. After his brilliant 81* in a successful chase against Mumbai in the fifth match of the ongoing ITL, Kohli said on the Bangalore Insider show: “It’s sweet. I know why they are saying it, but I don’t prefer it. I like to be called by my own name, Virat."

“People tell me King out of love, but I personally don’t prefer it. Like ‘Ee Sala Cup Namdhe’, don’t say ‘King’,” he added.

Can Kohli help Bangalore win their maiden ITL trophy?

Virat Kohli has gone through a rough patch in the past few years but has found his form back since scoring a maiden T20I century against Afghanistan in the 2022 Asia Cup. Fans also witnessed the dominance of their 'King' in the last 20-20 World Cup match against Pakistan when he scored a match-winning 82*. Kohli carried his excellent form to other formats as well, bringing up 75 international centuries.

Ahead of the 16th edition of the ITL, Kohli was seen sweating hard in the nets and making his intentions clear by smashing balls over the ropes. The ace batter and captain Faf du Plessis put on a century partnership and the former remained at the crease till the end to secure an eight-wicket victory for his side in the opening match of the 2023 season.

The franchise believes that Kohli's return to form will be a great asset to the team and will lift their maiden title this time in the cash-rich league. Bangalore will face Kolkata in the away match on Thursday, April 6.

Meanwhile, fans reacted to Virat Kohli's comment that he doesn't like being called the 'king'. Some said he deserved to be called that and they would continue to do so. Few fans recalled the iconic 2022 World Cup commentary - "He's not just a king, he's a genius" - when Kohli played a heroic knock against arch-rivals Pakistan.

Here's how fans reacted: 

ok I'll call him Emperor

— Ritvik (@kohli_fanatic) April 4, 2023

But we all know he is the "👑KING👑"

— Sumit Kumar (@wtfsumit_143) April 4, 2023

My king is so humble

— Yash. (@iYashTweets) April 4, 2023

ok then we will call you GOD

— CS (@DarkPhantom_18) April 4, 2023

He is not just a king , He is the genius 🛐

— Sabuj (@sabuj471) April 4, 2023

But king suits him ❤️. King 👑 Kohli 👑

— V K (@Shankar1183) April 4, 2023

Ee sal cup namdhe.. ❤❤

— VK18Forever (Fan Page) (@VKianForever) April 4, 2023

Ok sultan 😜😜🔥🔥

— Ayush Shrivas (@AyushSshrivash) April 4, 2023