Virat Kohli to step down as RCB captain after IPL 2021

RCB skipper Virat Kohli has decided to relinquish his captaincy duties after the completion of the ongoing Indian Premier League 2021.

The decision to quit RCB captaincy comes after Kohli revealed that he will step down as India’s T20I captain after the upcoming T20 World Cup.

Thus, Kohli’s decision to quit as RCB captain was inevitable. The talisman has stated he will continue to play for RCB and his last IPL match will be only for the franchise. Kohli has always received endless support from Bangalore fans and has represented RCB since the inception of IPL in 2008.

Kohli was appointed as RCB captain in 2013 as a successor to Daniel Vettori. The linchpin has led RCB in 132 matches thus far out of which the team won 62 matches and lost 66 whereas four ended in no result.

RCB’s best run under Kohli came in 2016 when the team finished as the runners-up, losing to SRH by eight runs in the final. Kohli, the batsman, had a stunning run in that season as he had amassed record-breaking 973 runs, including four centuries. RCB also made it to the playoff stages under the leadership of Kohli in 2015 and 2020.

“It has been a great and an inspiring journey, captaining a talented bunch of players in the RCB squad,” Kohli said. “I would like to take this opportunity to thank the RCB management, coaches, support staff, players, and the entire RCB family, who have been instrumental in the growth of the franchise over the years. It wasn’t an easy decision but one that has been well thought of and in the best interest of this wonderful franchise. The RCB family remains close to my heart as we continue to strive to achieve excellence. As I have mentioned previously in many occasions, I will only play for RCB until my retirement from the game of cricket.”

RCB Chairman Prathmesh Mishra said, “Virat Kohli is one of the finest cricketers, and has been a true asset to RCB. His impeccable work ethic and leadership skills have been phenomenal. We respect and support this decision and would like to thank Virat for his incredible contribution to the RCB leadership group. He has left an indelible mark on the franchise and will continue to be a senior member of the team.”

As the mega auction will be held before the next season, Kohli wants to concentrate on his batting and wants a new player to lead the franchise. Kohli added that he will continue to play for RCB.

“Spoke to the management this evening. It was something on my mind for a while. As I recently announced, (I’ll be) stepping down from T20 captaincy as well to manage my workload which has been immense over the last so many years. I want to continue to remain committed to the responsibilities I am fulfilling and I felt I needed this space to refresh, regroup and be absolutely clear in how I want to move forward. And also understanding that RCB is going to go through a transitional phase with a big auction coming in next year. I made it clear to the management that (smiles) I can’t think of being in any other team than RCB and that’s been my commitment from day one,” Kohli told RCB in his announcement video.

RCB will resume its IPL 2021 campaign against KKR in Abu Dhabi on Monday.