Virat Kohli Sets Ambitious Goals After RCB Retains Him for ₹21 Crore

Virat Kohli, the stalwart of Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), has laid down two significant objectives following his retention by the franchise for a remarkable ₹21 crore ahead of the IPL 2025 mega auction. As one of the highest-paid players across all teams, Kohli's primary goals are to lead RCB to its maiden Indian Premier League (IPL) title and to help build a strong squad during the auction.

Having been with RCB since the league's inception in 2008, Kohli is the only player in IPL history to have remained with a single franchise throughout his career. Despite his remarkable journey—from a promising young talent to team captain and now a franchise legend—RCB has yet to clinch the coveted IPL trophy, being one of the original teams that have never lifted the title. Kohli is keen to change that narrative and is excited about the upcoming auction, hoping to contribute to a roster that can finally break the title drought.

In a video released by RCB, Kohli expressed his enthusiasm: "Very excited with the chance to create a squad at this auction, something that I'm really looking forward to as a franchise, as a team. The goal is to win the IPL title at least once in the next three years. We're going to give our best shot as always, and I’ll try to make everyone proud with the way we play our cricket."

This retention comes as RCB looks to revamp its squad, having retained only three players from last season's 25-member lineup: Kohli, Rajat Patidar, and Mohammed Siraj. Kohli’s remarkable performance in the previous season, where he scored over 700 runs and secured the Orange Cap, made his retention a straightforward decision for the franchise.

Looking ahead, Kohli is also contemplating his role within the team dynamic, particularly regarding leadership. Although he stepped down from captaincy after IPL 2021, discussions about his potential return to leadership roles have surfaced, dependent on the players acquired at the auction. If RCB manages to attract star players like Rishabh Pant, Shreyas Iyer, or KL Rahul, Kohli has expressed his willingness to continue as a senior player, emphasizing the special bond he has developed with the franchise over the years.

Kohli reflected on his long association with RCB, stating, "Everyone knows what RCB means to me. It's been a very special relationship over so many years, which continues to grow stronger. I hope the fans and everyone connected to the franchise feel the same way. At the end of this cycle, I will have played for RCB for 20 years, and that in itself is a very special feeling."

As the IPL landscape evolves, Kohli’s ambitions for both himself and RCB are clear: to finally secure that elusive championship and build a team that can sustain success in the league.