Virat Kohli spoke passionately about Test cricket and the place it holds in his heart following RCB's first-ever IPL victory.
RCB lifted the IPL for the first time, ending an 18-year wait, defeating Punjab Kings in the final. Kohli made 43 off 35 balls as RCB put up 190-9 batting first. PBKS fought hard, but fell six runs short.
Also read: Singles, strategy and strike starvation: Explaining Virat Kohli's curious IPL final innings
Kohli finished the season with 657 runs at an average and strike rate of 54.75 and 144.71 respectively, including eight half-centuries, the most by any batter this season.
Final, Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Punjab Kings
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After the match, Kohli spoke about how much the win meant to him: "This win is as much for the fans as it is for the team. I've given this team my youth, prime and experience. Tried to win it every season, gave it everything I can. Never thought this day would come, was overcome with emotion after we won."
Watch: Virat Kohli bursts into tears as RCB end 18-year IPL trophy wait
Kohli: Take up Test cricket if you want to earn respect
When asked about Test cricket, however, Kohli made it clear that the IPL victory ranks much below Test cricket despite being such a huge moment in his career.
"You know, this moment is right up there with the best moments I've had in my career. But it still marks five levels under Test cricket. That's how much I value Test cricket. And that's how much I love Test cricket."
Last month, Kohli had announced his retirement from Tests, ending his career with 9,230 runs from 123 Tests at an average of 46.85. He finished as India's fourth-highest run-getter in Tests.
Speaking on the importance of the format after the IPL victory, he said: "So I would just urge the youngsters coming through, to treat that format with respect. Because if you perform in Test cricket, you walk around anywhere in the world, people look you in the eye and shake your hand and say, 'Well done, you played the game really well'.
"So if you want to earn respect in world cricket all over, take up Test cricket, and give your heart and soul to it. And when you walk out with wonders on the other side, then you gain the respect of the cricket world."
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