Virat Kohli showed his fan appreciation and deep commitment to the Bengaluru-based franchise in the Indian Premier League.
Virat Kohli, star batter for the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), showed his dedication to the Bengaluru-based IPL franchise and the undying support of its fans. When Kohli was selected by RCB during the first-ever IPL draft in 2008 for a reported sum of USD 30,000, he was leading the U-19 team in the 2008 ICC U19 World Cup in Malaysia.
Kohli has been the face of RCB for over a decade and a half, with the Delhi-born cricketer being the only player to represent the RCB in all 16 editions. When asked by Star Sports ahead of RCB’s tournament opener against the Mumbai Indians, Kohli reminisced on the moment of getting picked by the franchise and how much has changed since then. He stated:Â
“It’s a special bond. It feels like it was always meant to be the first draft that happened after we won the U-19 World Cup. I was picked by RCB and since then I have always (every time) been retained by RCB. I couldn’t see myself being in any other franchise, playing for anyone else.”
Virat Kohli has headed RCB in 140 matches from 2011 to 2021, coming out with 64 victories and 69 losses. During his leadership, RCB made it to the playoffs four times and came second at the IPL 2016 Final to Sunrisers Hyderabad.
Virat Kohli stated that the immense love and support from RCB supporters is more important than winning a coveted title, emphasizing that this support means more to him than anything else. Kohli said:
“For me, the loyalty that the fans have shown me, the faith, the love over so many years is way more valuable to me than any piece of silverware. That’s something very rare to experience.”
Virat Kohli shines in RCB’s win over MI in IPL 2023
Virat Kohli remained unbeaten on 82 runs from 49 balls as RCB crushed MI with an 8-wicket win chasing 172 runs. It was the first IPL game to be held at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in nearly four years, and Kohli and RCB captain Faf du Plessis put on a remarkable partnership of 148 runs for the first wicket. Additionally, the RCB bowlers were on top form, having reduced MI to 48/4 at one stage, only for Tilak Varma’s astounding 84* to take the visitors to 171/7 in the first innings.