Virat Kohli’s captaincy career at Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) came to an end with a defeat against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 eliminator. In the post-match presentation, Kohli said that he has given his “120 per cent” to the franchise and will continue to play as a batter from them in the future editions.
“I have tried my best to create a culture here where youngsters could come in and play with freedom and belief. It is something I have done with India as well. I have given my best. I don't know how the response has been, but I have given 120% to this franchise every time, which is something I will now do as a player. It is a great time to regroup and restructure for the next three years with people who will take this ahead,” Kohli said.
The 32-year-old is the only player in IPL history to have played for the same franchise since he was first picked up after winning the Under-19 World Cup. Since he took over the captaincy in 2013, RCB have qualified for playoffs three times and reached the final once in 2016. The skipper said that he will not be playing for any other franchise and stay with RCB till the end.
“I don't see myself playing anywhere else. Loyalty matters more to me than worldly pleasures. I would be in the RCB till the last day I play in the IPL,” the Delhi-born batter said.
Kohli felt that RCB lost the match in the middle overs and lauded Sunil Narine for his all-round performance. He also said that Daniel Christian’s 22-run over had a massive impact on their chances defending the below par total.
“I think those middle overs where their spinners dominated the game was the difference. They kept bowling in tight areas and kept picking wickets. We had a great start and it was about quality bowling and not bad batting. They thoroughly deserve to win this one and be in the next round. The fight till the end with the ball has been the hallmark of our team. That one big over (22 runs) in the middle deflated our chances. We fought till the last over and made an amazing game out of it. 15 runs less with the bat and a couple of big overs with the ball cost us. Sunil Narine has always been a quality bowler and today he once again showed it. Shakib, Varun and him created pressure and didn't allow our batsmen to get away in the middle,” Kohli explained.
