IPL PHOTOS: Virat goes viral in the UAE!

As the first phase of the seventh edition of the Indian Premier League comes to an end, one lasting memory of the cash-rich T20 tournament in the United Arab Emirates will be the fans’ affection for their favourite cricketers.

Yes, no prizes for guessing who was the most popular of them all.

It was, indeed, India's batting sensation and Royal Challengers Bangalore captain Virat Kohli.

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Having grown in stature and delighted fans worldwide with some entertaining batting in the last couple of years, he drew the loudest applause from the stands when Royal Challengers Bangalore took the field.

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Kohli has his task cut out for RCB this year as the Vijay Mallya-owned franchise looks to capture a maiden IPL crown after some big money purchases in the Players’ auction, including Yuvraj Singh for Rs 14 crore.

The batting ace is rumoured to be dating Bollywood actress Anushka Sharma, but all that hasn’t affected his fan-following a wee bit.

At least, not his female following which continues to grow with every game.

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Royal Challengers Bangalore have had a chequered first phase, and as the tournament moves to India fans will be looking to Kohli to inspire the team with some big knocks.

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In five matches so far this IPL, Kohli has 105 runs to his name, after scores of 49 not out, 0, 31, 21 and 4. Now Royal Challengers fans are counting on him to show his class in the home leg.