"He is and Will Be a Key to RCB's Success": Andy Flower on Virat Kohli's Retention

After the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) announced the retention of star Indian batter Virat Kohli ahead of the IPL 2025 season, head coach Andy Flower emphasized Kohli's pivotal role in the franchise's future success. The announcement also included the retention of players Rajat Patidar and Yash Dayal, setting the stage for the upcoming mega auction.

In a statement to Jio Cinema, Flower remarked that Kohli's retention was expected and not surprising to fans in India. He praised Kohli’s performance during the IPL 2024 season, describing it as "sensational." Flower noted Kohli's leadership qualities, highlighting how he guided the team to the playoffs despite a challenging start to the season.

"Virat's retention won't come as a surprise to anyone in India. He is and will be a key to RCB's success in the future. He was sensational last year. He was one of the leaders who propelled us into the playoffs despite a poor first half of the season," Flower stated on RCB’s official website.

Speculation continues around Kohli's potential return as RCB captain, a position he relinquished in 2021 after a tumultuous leadership journey that began in 2013. Under his captaincy, the team reached the IPL finals in 2016 but fell short against the Sunrisers Hyderabad by just eight runs.

In the 2024 season, Kohli played 15 matches, scoring 741 runs at an impressive strike rate of 154.70, which included one century and five half-centuries. He remains the highest run-scorer in IPL history, with a staggering total of 8004 runs from 252 matches at a strike rate of 131.97.

RCB managed to secure a place in the top four during IPL 2024, finishing fourth with 14 points after winning seven of their 14 matches. However, their playoff run was cut short with a four-wicket loss to the Rajasthan Royals. As the franchise gears up for the next season, Kohli's experience and performance will be crucial in their pursuit of their first IPL title.