‘I gave my 120% to this franchise’ – Virat Kohli draws curtains on his career as RCB Captain

It dropped a lot of jaws when Virat Kohli was the only player retained before the first-ever mega auction in 2011, but the faith shown by Royal Challengers Bangalore back in the day proved to be pivotal. He took over the captaincy in 2013 from Daniel Vettori and played a crucial role in building the […]
 
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‘I gave my 120% to this franchise’ – Virat Kohli draws curtains on his career as RCB Captain

It dropped a lot of jaws when Virat Kohli was the only player retained before the first-ever mega auction in 2011, but the faith shown by Royal Challengers Bangalore back in the day proved to be pivotal. He took over the captaincy in 2013 from Daniel Vettori and played a crucial role in building the brand image that the franchise now possesses.

Royal Challengers Bangalore, despite not having any silverware in their trophy cabinet, have become one of cricket’s most popular franchises. The indomitable Virat Kohli growing bigger and better with every passing month, and the club churning out big scores at the Chinnaswamy on a regular basis, made them a very attractive proposition and it would be fair to say, they did everything possible besides winning the trophy.

After being appointed captain, Virat Kohli registered 4,644 runs for the franchise, the most by any cricketer as captain in the tournament history. His side looked well set to deliver the big trophy after all the difficulties this season, but a narrow defeat to Sunrisers Hyderabad and the Sunil Narine show in the Eliminator prevented that from happening.

‘I gave my 120% to this franchise’ – Virat Kohli draws curtains on his career as RCB Captain

Kohli and De Villiers failed to bat together even once throughout the 2021 edition.

After the disappointing defeat to Kolkata Knight Riders in the 2021 Eliminator, Kohli mentioned that he tried to create a culture where young players can play with freedom.

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‘I gave my 120% to this franchise’ – Virat Kohli draws curtains on his career as RCB Captain

“I have tried my best to create a culture here where youngsters could come in and play with freedom and belief. It is something I have done with India as well. I have given my best. I don’t know how the response has been, but I have given 120% to this franchise every time, which is something I will now do as a player. It is a great time to regroup and restructure for the next three years with people who will take this ahead,” Kohli said.

I don’t see myself playing anywhere else: Virat Kohli

In the post-match talk, Kohli mentioned that he doesn’t seem himself playing anywhere, reiterating his stance on his future. He once again confirmed that he will play for the Royal Challengers next season, but not in leadership capacity.

“Yes definitely, I don’t see myself playing anywhere else. Loyalty matters more to me than worldly pleasures. I would be in the RCB till the last day I play in the IPL,” He added.

Take look at Kohli’s words coming from the man himself.

The Royal Challengers Bangalore will now have a massive conundrum when it comes to retaining their players. While the likes of AB de Villiers and Glenn Maxwell make a strong case to be retained. There are some brilliant Indian talents with RCB like Mohammed Siraj and Devdutt Padikkal, but it is highly likely that they will be found in the auction.