Kohli Hints at 20-Year RCB Milestone with Retention for IPL 2025

In a significant announcement regarding IPL retention, Virat Kohli has indicated his intention to continue playing for Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) until 2027, aiming to complete an impressive 20-year tenure with the franchise. Retained at a substantial fee of ₹21 crore, Kohli's plans come as he approaches the latter stages of his illustrious career at 36 years old, amidst discussions about his future in competitive cricket following a challenging four years marked by performance dips since the onset of COVID-19.

Commitment to RCB

Kohli has been a cornerstone of RCB since the league's inception in 2008, becoming the leading run-scorer in IPL history with over 8,000 runs, an average strike rate of 131.97, and a remarkable tally of eight centuries and 55 fifties. Reflecting on his journey, Kohli shared his thoughts in a recent interview for "RCB Bold Diaries," emphasizing the deep connection he feels with both the franchise and its supporters. "At the end of this cycle, it is going to be 20 years that I am going to be playing for RCB and that in itself is a very, very special feeling for me," he stated.

Kohli also expressed a firm belief that he would never play for another franchise, reiterating his love for RCB: “I don’t see myself anywhere other than RCB, and I am very happy that it happened. I am very excited that I got a chance to create a strong new squad in this auction."

Aspirations for the Future

With an eye on the future, Kohli aims to secure RCB's first IPL title during this next cycle, emphasizing that winning the championship is a priority. “I hope that the fans and everyone who’s connected to the franchise feel the same way. We are going to give it our best shot as always and try to make everyone proud of the way we play our cricket," he said, thanking fans for their unwavering support over the years.

RCB's Strategy and Kohli’s Role

Andy Flower, head coach of RCB, praised Kohli's retention, highlighting his pivotal role in the team's success moving forward. "Virat’s retention won’t come as much of a surprise to anyone in India. He is and will be a key to RCB’s success in the future," Flower noted. He acknowledged Kohli's exceptional performance in the previous season, where he played a vital role in leading RCB to the playoffs despite a challenging start.

In addition to Kohli, RCB has retained Rajat Patidar and Yash Dayal, giving the franchise a robust foundation as they prepare for the upcoming mega auction. With a remaining budget of ₹83 crore, RCB will also hold three Right to Match cards, which will allow them to potentially retain additional key players. Notable players like Glenn Maxwell, Mohammed Siraj, Faf du Plessis, and Cameron Green are set to enter the auction, making RCB's strategy crucial in building a competitive squad.

Virat Kohli's commitment to RCB highlights his dedication to the franchise and its fans as he aims for a significant milestone of 20 years. With aspirations for the IPL title and a focus on building a strong team, Kohli's role will be instrumental in shaping RCB's future in the league. As the franchise gears up for the mega auction, the decisions made will be pivotal in their pursuit of IPL glory.