NEW DELHI: Virat Kohli has been the face of Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) within the Indian Premier League (IPL), embodying the crew’s spirit and dedication regardless of the ups and downs through the years.
And with Kohli set to return as RCB captain in 2025, the most important query is will he lead the franchise to their maiden IPL title?
Kohli is among the few gamers who’ve remained with a single franchise because the inception of the IPL in 2008. His loyalty to RCB has been unwavering, making him not solely a fan favourite but in addition an emblem of the crew’s id. His long-standing affiliation displays his dedication to constructing RCB’s model.
Kohli took over RCB’s captaincy in 2013 and led the crew till 2021. Beneath his management, RCB reached the playoffs 4 instances, together with the ultimate in 2016. That season was a standout 12 months for him personally, as he scored a record-breaking 973 runs, together with 4 hundred. Nevertheless, regardless of his efforts, the crew by no means clinched the title throughout his captaincy, which stays one in all his largest unfinished targets.
Kohli is RCB’s highest run-scorer and the highest run-getters in IPL historical past with 8004 runs from 252 runs. Nobody within the historical past of the IPL has breached the 7000-run mark.
Kohli was additionally the best run scorer within the 2024 scoring 741 runs with a highest rating of an unbeaten 113.
Kohli’s means to chase down targets, construct innings, and rating persistently has been essential for RCB. His partnerships, notably with gamers like AB de Villiers, have produced among the most memorable moments in IPL historical past. Kohli’s aggressive, fearless method has additionally set the tone for RCB’s model of cricket.
After stepping down from the captaincy, Kohli targeted extra on his batting, aiming to regain consistency and anchor the innings for RCB. Whereas he has had some ups and downs, his function has shifted in direction of offering stability and establishing the sport for the finishers. His latest kind within the IPL has proven glimpses of his classic self, with robust, impactful performances.
Even after stepping down from the captaincy, Kohli remained a pacesetter throughout the crew and guided younger gamers and motivating teammates. His presence continues to affect RCB’s tradition, emphasizing health, depth, and a profitable mindset.
Although Kohli’s journey with RCB has seen highs and lows, his legacy with the crew is plain. He stays hopeful to carry the IPL trophy with RCB, which might be a becoming reward for his loyalty and contribution to the franchise. Followers and analysts alike sit up for his continued journey with the crew, hoping he can obtain the one aim that has eluded him to this point: an IPL title with RCB.