Can RCB end their title Drought this time and extend their tribute to King Kohli?
Virat Kohli, also popularly known as King Kohli made his debut with the Royal Challengers Bengaluru in 2008 when he was picked in the auction. Since then, he has gone on record and clearly said that he will only play for RCB as team and that loyalty plays a big part in his career.
Although RCB is yet to win an IPL title for themselves, Virat Kohli continues to play a crucial role in the franchise, despite the ups and downs in the years so far.
At the recent RCB Unbox event which took place a few days ago in Bengaluru prior to their opening match, the crowd was seen cheering the loudest for the King, though there were equally high-quality players who are celebrated for their game.
In March 2008 during the first auction of the Indian Premier League, Delhi Daredevils’ loss in signing Kohli became RCB’s gain. As IPL 2025 turns 18 this year, Delhi may still be secretly lamenting on this unfortunate decision which cannot be undone.
Teenager Kohli had an explosive batting prowess, displaying raw emotion every time he stepped on the field. Eighteen years on and nothing has changed. The 36-year-old icon has gone from an unabashed teen to a cricket great.
Kohli has led the Indian team across all formats; and RCB for several years from 2013-2021. Interestingly, he remains only the third player after the master blaster Sachin Tendulkar and Jasprit Bumrah to remain in a single franchise.
Contrary to the popular belief, experience and age have not dimmed Kohli’s hunger even one bit. His passion to perform his best in every single outing remains unchanged. The appetite for excellence and team’s victory is unwavering, with the fire of competitive spirit burning as high since the first year.
As the longest serving full-time captain of the franchise, Kohli has led the squad in 140 matches with 66 wins and 70 losses, three matches tied, securing a win percentage of 47.14 %.
The veteran captain left the IPL team’s captaincy in 2021 citing workload management. RCB reached the finals in 2016 under his leadership and advanced to the playoffs four times in 2015, 2016, 2020 and 2021.
Until 2022, he was the highest paid cricketer in IPL and was the first one to be retained by his franchise ahead of the IPL 2018 Player Auction.
In my opinion, the reason why RCB hasn’t laid their hands on victory is because their bowling unit seems incomplete and the ‘chipping and chopping’ attitude deters their confidence.
While the batting star has nothing left to prove, one aspect would always remain unclaimed, the lack of an IPL trophy in his chest of laurels and awards. RCB is known to have the highest fan following, balanced team side and has even gone into the finals thrice, yet somehow luck has always eluded them.
This year, the trailblazer Kohli will play under first time captain Rajat Patidar, at a time when he was expected to lead himself, Kohli has thrown his weight onto Rajat’s shoulders.
RCB veteran and Virat’s close mate AB de Villiers has opined that Kohli’s leadership without the official title is going to be crucial this season, as his vast experience will come in handy to guide the young newbie skipper.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru are set to play the season’s opening encounter against defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders on March 22 at Eden Gardens, promising to be a thrilling match as two massive teams will set the tone for the 18th edition of Tata IPL.
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