IPL 2021: Virat Kohli to step down as RCB skipper after this season

IPL 2021: Virat Kohli to step down as RCB skipper after this season

Virat Kohli

Virat Kohli is set to step down as the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) skipper at the end of the ongoing edition of the Indian Premier League. The 32-year-old had left India’s captaincy in the shortest format last week.

The official Twitter handle of the Bangalore-based franchise broke this heartbreaking news for all the RCB and Virat Kohli fans. They shared a video with his official statement, which read: “Virat Kohli to step down from RCB captaincy after #IPL2021.”

In the video, Kohli shared a heartfelt message for every RCB supporter, He said: “Hello everyone, the whole RCB family, the amazing fans of Bangalore and to all those who have supported us. I have an announcement to make,” Kohli said in a video uploaded on RCB’s official Twitter handle.

“I spoke to the management this evening, it was something that was in my mind for a while,” Kohli further added.

“This will be my last IPL as captain of RCB. I’ll continue to be an RCB player till I play my last IPL game. I thank all the RCB fans for believing in me and supporting me,” Kohli said.

“I want to be able to be committed to the responsibilities that I am fulfiling and I felt I needed the space to be fresh, to regroup and be absolutely clear in how I want to move forward,” Kohli said.

“It’s been a great journey of nine years, with moments of joy and frustration, happiness and sadness,” he added.

Virat Kohli’s journey as RCB skipper

Virat Kohli
Virat Kohli

The Modern Master has been associated with Bangalore since the maiden season of the cash-rich league. In 2013, he was handed over the captaincy of the side when former Kiwi cricketer Daniel Vettori stepped down from this role. The Delhi-born has played 199 matches thus far, which is the most number of games for any cricketer for a single franchise in the Indian T20 league.

Virat Kohli is also the all-time highest run-getter in the tournament with 6076 runs at a great average of almost 38. He took the side to great heights over the years, however, the trophy cabinet is still waiting for the first title. Kohli will try to end this season as RCB skipper on a high note after winning the ongoing season as they are comfortably placed at the third spot in the Points Table.

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