Virat Kohli has indicated that he plans to continue playing competitive cricket until 2027, aiming to complete 20 years with Royal Challengers Bengaluru(RCB). Kohli, 36, has been retained by the franchise for a fee of Rs 21 crore. The cricketer has been with RCB since the Indian Premier League’s (IPL) start in 2008 and is the top run-scorer in the tournament with over 8,000 runs.
Kohli shared his thoughts on his long association with RCB, stating, “At the end of this cycle, it is going to be 20 years that I am going to be playing for RCB and that in itself is a very, very special feeling for me.” He added, “I have never thought that I am going to play so many years for one team, but the relationship has truly become special over so many years.”
Kohli affirmed his commitment to RCB, saying, “I don’t see myself anywhere other than RCB, and I am very happy that it happened.”
Kohli also expressed his excitement about creating a new squad in the upcoming auction and his continued bond with the team and its fans. “I am super excited as ever as everyone knows what RCB means to me. It’s been a very, very special relationship over so many years, which continues to grow stronger, and what I have experienced playing for RCB is truly special. I hope that the fans and everyone who’s connected to the franchise feel the same way,” he said.
Looking forward to the future, Kohli emphasized the goal of winning an IPL title. “Obviously, the goal is to win the IPL title at least once in the next cycle,” he said. He assured fans that RCB would make every effort to achieve this goal. “We are going to give it our best shot as always and try to make everyone proud of the way we play our cricket. A big shout out to the fans for your unwavering support over so many years. I am really grateful, really thankful,” Kohli concluded.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru(RCB) has retained players Rajat Patidar and Yash Dayal for the upcoming season. With these retentions, RCB now has a purse of Rs 83 crore and three Right To Match cards ahead of the auction.
Key players like Glenn Maxwell, Mohammed Siraj, Faf du Plessis, and Cameron Green are expected to be part of the auction pool.