Kohli to step down as Royal Challengers Bangalore captain after IPL 2021

Virat Kohli on Sunday announced that he would step down from Royal Challengers Bangalore captaincy after the 14th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL 2021). Earlier, Kohli had announced that he would relinquish the captaincy of the Indian cricket team for T20 Internationals after the ICC T20 World Cup 2021.

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Is Virat Kohli leaving Royal Challengers Bangalore?

One of the most decorated players of the franchise, the star batsman will continue to be a part of the RCB squad.

Kohli was inducted in the RCB squad in 2008, when the league came into existence, and started leading the side in 2013. He has not managed to win the IPL title even once but was never removed from captaincy due to his immense brand value.

“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,” the RCB Twitter handle quoted Virat Kohli as saying.

He added, "It has been a great and an inspiring journey, captaining a talented bunch of players in the RCB squad. 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.
 

 

Kohli record in Indian Premier League with RCB

Kohli has played 199 IPL matches and scored 6076 runs so far with five hundreds.

He had his best IPL season as a batsman in 2016 when he claimed the Orange Cap with 640 runs averaging an astonishing 81.

The highest paid cricketer in the IPL, Kohli was the first to be retained by his franchise ahead of the 2018 players auction.

"It wasn't an easy decision but one that has been well thought of and in the best interest of this wonderful franchise."

Kohli of late hasn't been at his peak as a batsman in Tests, a format which he adores.

For close to two years now, Kohli hasn't scored a long-form century and made 563 runs at 26.80 in 12 Tests during this period.

While announcing his decision to quit national T20 captaincy, he had stated that he was taking the step to manage his workload better.