[Watch] Virat Kohli Reflects On His Loyalty To RCB Ahead of IPL 2024, Old Video Resurfaces
Virat Kohli (Twitter)
World’s most renowned cricketer and former captain of IPL franchise Royal Challengers Bangalore, Virat Kohli, is the only cricketer in the history of the tournament to have played for only one IPL franchise. Virat Kohli was picked by the fan favourite Royal Challengers Bangalore in the very first auction back in 2008.
Virat Kohli recently reflected on representing Royal Challengers Bangalore ever since the tournament began, and how the franchise has shown faith in him every season. The highest run scorer of the Indian Premier League, Kohli believes the loyalty is more valuable to him than any piece of silverware.
Watch Virat Kohli talks about his journey with Royal Challengers Bangalore ahead of IPL 2024
Virat Kohli recalled the prestigious victory of the U-19 World Cup 2008 under his leadership which led RCB to sign him in the first draft. He expressed his gratitude towards the team management for retaining him, and also revealed how difficult it will be for him to play for any other team franchise in the IPL.
Here's what he said:
"It feels like it was always meant to be the first draft that happened after we won the U-19 World Cup. I was picked by RCB, and since then, I have always been retained by RCB. I couldn't see myself being in any other franchise, playing for anyone else.”
He further discussed how he feels that his heart belongs to Bangalore even though he was not even born or brought up in the city. Kohli highlighted the deep connection he has developed with the city over the years and stated,
"For me, the loyalty that the fans have shown me, the faith, the love over so many years is way more valuable to me than any piece of silverware. That's something very rare to experience. I feel very fortunate that I was able to form a deep connection with the city where I was not even born. Bengaluru absolutely feels like my home, not even the second home. The city has accepted people as their own, giving them so much love and support. It is a testimony to their sporting intelligence.”
Virat Kohli stepped down as the captain of Royal Challengers Bangalore after IPL 2022, however he has always remained a core member of the strategies the team has developed in the tournament.
Royal Challengers Bangalore will play their first match of the 17th season of IPL against Chennai Super Kings. The teams will clash for the first game of the season at the M Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on 22nd March 2024.
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