Few cricketers wear their heart on their sleeve like Virat Kohli. Known for his unmatched intensity and passion, the former RCB captain has once again made headlines—not for a record or a century, but for a bold statement about how he wants to finish his cricketing journey.
According to his Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) teammate Swastik Chikara, Kohli has made it clear that he will never be reduced to an “Impact Player” in the IPL. Instead, he has vowed to continue playing like a lion until the day he decides to hang up his boots.
“I Will Play Like a Lion”
Swastik Chikara, one of RCB’s youngsters in the 2025 season, recalled an inspiring chat with Kohli. He revealed:
“Virat bhaiya said, ‘Jab tak cricket khelunga, jab tak main poora fit hoon. Ye Impact Player ki tarah nahi khelunga. Main sher ki tarah khelunga.’”
(As long as I play cricket and remain fully fit, I won’t play like an Impact Player. I will play like a lion.)
Kohli also added that the day he is forced to feature as just an Impact Player—someone who bats or bowls in limited spells without fielding—he will retire from the game altogether.
This revelation reflects the mindset of a player who thrives on being involved in every aspect of the game—batting, fielding, and leading by example.
The Impact Player Rule – A Quick Recap
The Impact Player rule, introduced in the IPL in 2023, allows franchises to substitute one player during a match. This player can bat, bowl, and field just like part of the starting XI.
While it has added tactical flexibility for teams, it has also sparked debates—especially about aging players who use the rule to stay relevant by limiting their workload.
Many senior cricketers, including MS Dhoni and Rohit Sharma, have featured as Impact Players in recent editions. But Kohli has made it clear—he doesn’t see himself in that role.
A Stand That Defines Kohli
Kohli’s decision is not just about the rule—it’s about his personality. Throughout his career, he has been known as a workhorse: sprinting between the wickets, throwing himself in the field, and pushing his limits in the gym.
By refusing to take the Impact Player route, Kohli is sending out a strong message: he wants to compete at full throttle, not half measure. For him, cricket is about passion and commitment, not convenience.
After RCB’s maiden IPL title win in 2025, Kohli had also said:
“I’m not going to play as an Impact Player. I want to field 20 overs, I want to make an impact everywhere. That’s the kind of cricketer I am.”
His words not only fired up his teammates but also struck a chord with millions of fans who admire him for his never-give-up spirit.
In shorts:
Virat Kohli’s words—“I will play like a lion, not as an Impact Player”—are more than just a statement about IPL rules. They reflect his approach to life and sport: full commitment, unrelenting passion, and an unwillingness to compromise.
As RCB’s young guns like Swastik Chikara continue to learn from him, Kohli’s legacy grows even stronger—not just as a run machine but as a role model who embodies dedication till the very end.
And if there’s one thing certain, it’s this: whenever Virat Kohli decides to walk away, it will be on his own terms, with the roar of a lion.
