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

Team India skipper Virat Kohli has announced that he will be stepping down from his current role as the skipper of IPL franchise Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) at the end of the 2021 edition. This is the second major announcement considering Kohli’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.

Chairman Prathmesh Mishra hailed the cricketer as a “true asset” to RCB.

“Virat Kohli is one of the finest cricketers, and has been a true asset to RCB. His impeccable work ethics and leadership skills has been phenomenal. We respect and support this decision and would like to thank Virat for his incredible contribution to the RCB leadership group. He has left an indelible mark on the franchise and will continue to be a senior member of the team,” he stated.

Recent decision to step down as T20I captain after the conclusion of ICC World T20 2021

Kohli’s decision to step down as captain of RCB comes soon after he opted to vacate his role as captain of the T20I side after the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, 2021.

“I have been fortunate enough to not only represent India but also lead the Indian Cricket Team to my utmost capability. Thank everyone who has supported me in my journey as the captain of the Indian Cricket Team. I couldn’t have done it without them – the boys, the support staff, the selection committee, my coaches and each and every Indian who prayed for us to win. Understanding workload is a very important thing and considering my immense workload over the last 8-9 years playing all 3 formats and captaining regularly for last 5-6 years, I feel I need to give myself space to be fully ready to lead the Indian Team in Test and ODI Cricket,” said the Team India skipper as quoted by BCCI.

“I have given everything to the team during my time as T20 captain and I will continue to do so for the T20 team as a batsman moving forward. Of course, arriving at this decision took a lot of time. After a lot of contemplation and discussions with my close people, Ravi bhai and also Rohit, who have been an essential part of the leadership group, I’ve decided to step down as the T20 captain after this T20 World Cup in UAE and Oman in October. I have also spoken to the secretary Mr Jay Shah and the President of BCCI Mr Sourav Ganguly along with all the selectors about the same. I will continue to serve Indian Cricket and the Indian Team to the best of my ability,” he added.