Virat Kohli, who played his last game as Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) captain in the eliminator against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at Sharjah Cricket Stadium, was visibly emotional in a video shared by the franchise on their social media. In the video, Kohli is seen reflecting on his journey with the RCB as the skipper of the franchise and going on to say that some things were not just meant to happen.
“It’s a bit of an emotional moment for me because I have led this franchise for so long. And I have tried my absolute best to make the team win and get us a title. Unfortunately, it could not happen and such is life. I don’t have any complaints. I only have gratitude for the opportunity that RCB has given me. I am happy that I could give everything I had. As I said, some things are not meant to be. I am ever so grateful for everything I have been able to do as a captain for RCB and for the opportunity that I had,” Kohli said in the video.
Kohli was unsuccessful in winning an IPL trophy in his eight-year stint as a skipper. The video also saw Kohli’s long time teammate-cum-friend AB de Villiers backing Kohli’s decision to bid goodbye to captaincy saying "captaincy isn’t everything and story isn’t finished yet for Kohli".
“Captaincy is not everything. So, story is not finished yet. I think there is a lot of chapters still to be written. Obviously, would have enjoyed winning the trophy being the captain of RCB. But, it wasn’t meant to be.
There is a bigger story for him to tell in the future. He is a huge character in the team and in RCB. I had a wonderful run under him.As captain I have really enjoyed my time. He is wonderful person and player. His captaincy has been amazing over the years, larger than life character. I am very happy for him with everything that he has achieved. His captaincy career for RCB, I think he has been a rock for us,” added AB de Villiers.
Kohli also spoke about some of the memorable moments while leading the red army and about the support of the fans and the management over the years.
The Indian skipper will now shift his focus towards the upcoming T20 World Cup which commences from October 17. India will open their campaign against arch-rivals Pakistan on October 24. It will be Kohli’s last assignment as the captain of the Indian T20I team.
