Virat Kohli is all set to be reappointed as the skipper of the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) for the upcoming season of the Indian Premier League (IPL). The development was reported by the Times of India, which stated that the former skipper, who stepped down from captaincy in 2021, has already had discussions on the same with the RCB management. As per the report, Kohli's is keen to take up the challenge, which comes at a time when there is a leadership vacuum in the RCB camp.
After stepping down from the position, RCB had handed the responsibility to former South Africa cricketer Faf du Plessis. He led the side in the previous two editions of IPL, but him being 40, the franchise were forced to look for other options.
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Kohli is one of the very few players to have never been released by their franchise in the history of IPL. The talismanic batter led RCB from 2013 to 2021, helping the side reach the playoffs on four occasions. RCB also came very close to winning the title in 2016 but had to be content with a runners-up position after losing the final against Sunrisers Hyderabad. RCB played 143 matches under Kohli's leadership and the team emerged victorious on 63 occasions, and lost 70 times.
"I will continue to be an RCB player till I play my last game in the IPL. But it's been a great journey of nine years of joy, frustration, moments of happiness and sadness, and I just want to thank all of you from the bottom of my heart for supporting me and believing in me relentlessly and unconditionally.
"And I will continue to be committed to play for this franchise as I said till the last day of me playing IPL… for you guys, for the fans, because of what you've done for me and how you've made me feel over the last so many years that is going to stay with me for the rest of my life," Kohli had said three years ago after declaring his decision to relinquish the RCB captaincy. The move had come days after Kohli announced he was stepping down as the skipper from India's T20I setup.
Meanwhile, if we look back at the previous two editions, Kohli did contribute significantly in most decisions despite not donning the captain's armband.
Other options before closing in on Kohli
The report in Times of India also stated that RCB were looking for other options before closing in on Kohli. Out of the many names, Shubman Gill was on their radar but a report in PTI claimed that he will be retained by Gujarat Titans, alongside Sai Sudharsan, and Rashid Khan. The franchise are expected to target wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant at the mega auction, which will be held towards the end of November.
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