BENGALURU: Three days after announcing his decision to step down as India’s T20 captain, Virat Kohli Change of guard announced in IPL franchise late Sunday night Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) from next season.
On the eve of the match against RCB KKR In Abu Dhabi, the captain of the Bengaluru-based franchise took to social media to announce the end of his nine-year reign.
Not the end of the journey: Captain Kohli
From a rookie who joined the squad for the inaugural edition anew after the success of the Under-19 World Cup in 2008, to taking over the captaincy in the middle of the 2012 season Daniel VettoriThe journey with RCB has been a long one for Kohli.
as the big ticket match between Chennai Super Kings And Mumbai Indians It was coming to the fore, Kohli gave his verdict.
“Before the second leg of the tournament begins, I have spoken to the team this evening to inform everyone that this will be my last leg in the IPL as the captain of RCB. This is something that will be on my side for some time. Had in mind. As I recently announced stepping down from T20 captaincy to manage my workload, which is so much over the years. I want to commit to the responsibility that I am carrying, “The 32-year-old batsman said.
Virat Kohli to step down from RCB captaincy after #IPL2021 “This will be my last IPL as captain of RCB. I will continue… https://t.co/oS4UZeZKQH
— Royal Challengers Bangalore (@RCBTweets) 1632070853000
Over the years, the Bengaluru unit has confused people and amazed at the wealth of talent that has not been able to come together as a trophy winning unit. They came close to getting their hands on the elusive trophy three times – 2009, 2011 and 2016 – but fell short after showing too much character to reach the finals. This has put Kohli’s captaincy in question.
Explaining his decision, Kohli, who has led RCB in 132 matches, explained, “I felt I needed to freshen up, regroup and be completely clear about how I wanted to proceed and Also understanding that RCB is leaving. Will go through a transitional phase with the big auctions next year.”
On more than one occasion during his over two-minute video message, Kohli reiterated that he would remain committed to the franchise till his IPL retirement. He said, “I have made it clear to the management that I cannot think of being in any team other than RCB and that has been my commitment from day one. I will continue to be a RCB player till I play my last match in the IPL. ..”
Summarizing his journey as RCB’s captain, Kohli, under whom RCB failed to qualify for the playoffs in 2015 and 2020, said, “It was a series of nine years of joy, despair, joy and sadness. It has been a great journey. It is just a short stop. This is not the end of the journey, the journey will continue as it has been for so many years.”
With the mega auction to be held next year, RCB’s overhaul strategy will now also include the hunt for a leader.
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