File image of Royal Challengers Bengaluru player Virat Kohli during an the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 match. (PTI Photo)
IPL Retention: Virat Kohli sent out an emotional message for Royal Challengers Bengaluru fans after the RCB franchise chose to retain him for the next three-year cycle, thus making him the most expensive Indian retention at Rs 21 crore.
Kohli posted a message for RCB fans via the team’s social media handle where he marveled at the fact that the retention meant that he would spend 20 years at the franchise.
“Everyone knows what RCB means to me. It’s been a very, very special relationship over so many years, which continues to grow stronger. And what I’ve experienced playing for RCB is truly, truly special. I hope the fans and everyone who’s connected to the franchise feels the same way. At the end of the cycle, it’s going to be 20 years that I’m going to be playing for RCB. And that in itself is a very, very special feeling for me. I never thought that I’m going to play for so many years for one team. But the relationship has truly become special over so many years. And as I said before, I don’t see myself anywhere else but RCB,” Kohli said.
Kohli also spelled out the targets for the franchise in the upcoming three years, starting with RCB winning the IPL title “at least once”.
“Just looking ahead in this cycle over the next three years. Obviously, the goal is to win the IPL title at least once in the next cycle. And yeah, we’re going to give it our best shot as always and try to make everyone proud of the way we play our cricket,” said Kohli.
Besides Kohli, RCB also retained Rajat Patidar (Rs 11 crore), and Yash Dayal (Rs 5 crore).
Who will be RCB captain?
With the franchise releasing their skipper from last season, Faf du Plessis, there is speculation on who will captain the team.
“We understand the curiosity surrounding the RCB captaincy and want to assure our fans that we are exploring all options. Our retention strategy not only lays a solid foundation for our upcoming lineup but also offers us the flexibility to make strategic decisions during the auctions. We are committed to building a team that reflects our ambitions and excites our fans,” said Prathmesh Mishra, Chairman of the Bengaluru franchise.
The team’s management also revealed that RCB wanted to retain Cameron Green, but he has been ruled out of the whole season due to injury.
