IPL 2024 | RCB's practice session called off over security threat to Virat Kohli: Report

Virat Kohli (Pic: AFP)

The Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, flagship venue of the Gujarat Cricket Association (GCA), found itself unavailable on Tuesday, owing to the IPL 2024 Qualifier 1 clash between the Kolkata Knight Riders and Sunrisers Hyderabad, in light of which, both Rajasthan Royals and Royal Challengers Bangalore were compelled to seek an alternative, ultimately relocating their activities to the Gujarat College ground.

According to a report by Bengali daily Anandabazar Patrika on Wednesday, Gujarat Police officials suggested that the primary catalyst behind RCB's decision to forego their practice session, alongside the cancellation of the pre-match press conference by both teams, stemmed from a perceived security threat to none other than the esteemed cricketer, Virat Kohli. The impetus for such cautionary measures arose from the arrest of four individuals at the Ahmedabad airport on Monday evening, suspected of involvement in activities with potential links to terrorism. Following the apprehension, authorities purportedly seized arms, along with incriminating digital content, during subsequent searches of the suspects' hideout.

This pertinent information was promptly relayed to both RR and RCB. While RR chose to proceed as planned, RCB opted to err on the side of caution, notifying security personnel of their decision to cancel the scheduled practice session. Although RCB refrained from formally disclosing the rationale behind this abrupt change, it was evident that concerns for Kohli's safety played a pivotal role.

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Reflecting on these developments, Vijay Singha Jwala, a police officer, emphasized Kohli's stature as a national icon, underscoring the paramount importance of his security. Consequently, RCB deemed it prudent to minimize risks, electing to forgo their practice session altogether. Meanwhile, Rajasthan Royals, though apprised of the unfolding situation, proceeded with their training regimen without qualms.

Security protocols were notably heightened outside RCB's designated team hotel, where stringent measures were implemented to safeguard the players and staff. Exclusive entry points were established solely for RCB personnel, ensuring restricted access for outsiders, including IPL-accredited media personnel.

Further elaborating on the logistics, the report detailed the arrival of the RR contingent at the training venue via a designated "green corridor," escorted by multiple police convoys. Notably, the team captain, Sanju Samson, arrived belatedly, while a few key players, including Ravichandran Ashwin, Riyan Parag, and Yuzvendra Chahal, opted to abstain from the practice session, preferring to remain within the secure confines of the team hotel. Those who did attend training were under vigilant surveillance, with law enforcement officers maintaining a visible presence throughout the premises. In light of the prevailing security concerns, both RR and RCB were compelled to cancel the customary pre-match press conference, prioritizing the safety and well-being of all involved.

Meanwhile, Kohli's sublime form in the ongoing IPL 2024 has seen him leading the run-chart with 708 runs from 14 innings, though questions keep cropping up about his strike rate at the top of the order.Kohli has scored a century, his eighth overall, this IPL season and five half-tons, a feat that has helped PCB make a dramatic turnaround to make the playoffs with six straight wins. Despite all the talk about Kohli's strike rate of 155.60 this season, it has been his best in the 17 years that he has played for RCB, an indicator that he is improvising and trying his best to better it further.

(With agency inputs)