Virat Kohli first player in IPL history to feature in 200 matches for a single franchise

Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) skipper Virat Kohli has become the first player in the history of the Indian Premier League (IPL) to feature in 200 matches for a single franchise. Kohli achieved this unique distinction when he walked down for the toss of the IPL 2021 encounter against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in Abu Dhabi on Monday. The Team India skipper has been a part of the RCB setup since the first edition. Kohli has scored 6,076 runs at an average of 37.97 and strike rate of 130.41 having batted in 191 innings. The cricketer has struck five centuries and 40 half-centuries during his stint with RCB, helping the Bangalore-based franchise reach the final in the 2009, 2011 and 2016 editions respectively.

MS Dhoni is the second name on the list of players who are inching closer to the same achievement. Dhoni has represented Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in 182 matches. Suresh Raina is the third cricketer having played 172 matches. RCB batting consultant Sanjay Bangar was full of praise for Kohli’s loyalty having stuck with RCB throughout the IPL.

“More than the number of games, he has shown various qualities by being with Royal Challengers. As he continued to conquer various frontiers across the globe, he might have had opportunities to move to other franchises. But he stuck with us. In today’s fast-food generation, he set out to give a lesson for the youngsters who want to change teams very quickly. I’m so glad that he continues to play with the same zeal and enthusiasm that he had as a youngster, even today. We hope to see him continue playing for Royal Challengers for at least 350-400 games,” said Bangar as quoted by the Bangalore-based franchise’s official website.

Kohli to step down as Royal Challengers Bangalore captain after IPL 2021

Kohli has announced that he will be stepping down from his current role as the skipper of RCB at the end of the 2021 edition. This is the second major announcement considering the cricketer’s involvement in the role of a leader in the shortest format, after his decision to step down as the captain of the national team for T20Is recently. Fans will certainly be hoping for the popular cricketer to bow out as a captain of the Bangalore-based franchise, with a maiden triumph.

“It has been a great and an inspiring journey, captaining a talented bunch of players in the RCB squad. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the RCB management, coaches, support staff, players, and the entire RCB family, who have been instrumental in the growth of the franchise over the years. It wasn’t an easy decision but one that has been well thought of and in the best interest of this wonderful franchise. The RCB family remains close to my heart as we continue to strive to achieve excellence. As I have mentioned previously in many occasions, I will only play for RCB until my retirement from the game of cricket,” said Kohli as quoted by RCB’s official website.