Indian cricket team’s skipper Virat Kohli announced his decision
to quit Royal Challengers Bangalore’s captaincy at the end of the ongoing season. The announcement was made one day before RCBs clash with Kolkata
Knight Riders where Kohli’s team were handed a heavy loss.  The decision comes after Kohli revealed that
he will quit India’s T20 captaincy after the T20 World Cup.

After an outpouring of emotions by Kohli’s fans, the cricketing
world has also reacted to the news.

Also Read – IPL 2021: Quick look at Virat Kohli’s journey as RCB captain

Former Indian opener and KKR captain Gautam Gambhir questioned the
timing of Kohli’s announcement. While he recognised that it is a brave decision,
Gambhir said it can make the team unsettled and emotional.

He said, “They are in a very good position. Why
would you want to put that extra pressure, probably push your players to
probably do it for Virat. You don’t want to win it for individuals, you want to
win it for the franchise. If he had to do it, he could have done it after the
tournament as well.”

Legendary South African pacer Dale Steyn
who is Kohli’s former teammate supporting his decision and said on Star Sports’
‘Select Dugout’, “I think sometimes now in this COVID time maybe as
Parthiv referred to bubble-life, his family that he’s got. It’s a lot of
responsibility – and playing for RCB before – you see Virat, he’s in every
advert and every meeting; he’s just so busy. So maybe it is the right time for
him to just put this aside and focus purely on his batting,”

Also Read – Till I play my last IPL game: Virat Kohli emotional after decision to quit captaincy

Former Indian cricketer Mohammad Kaif, who also represented the
Royal Challengers Bangalore in his long career, supported Kohli’s decision and
said, “A brave decision by Kohli, not many have it in them to give up power.
You don’t always need a captain’s band to be a leader. Kohli the batsman will
always have fans, followers and he will inspire generations to come. @imVkohli”.

RCB’s interim head coach Mike Hesson also backed Kohli’s decision
to step away from captaincy.

“Have only been here a short
time but I thank you @imVkohli for all you have done for @RCBTweets as a fully
committed leader and team man, your energy and passion is infectious. I know
the boys are fully committed to help send you out on a well-deserved high
skipper #PlayBold”.

Do you think RCB will be able to win the trophy in Kohli’s last
season at the helm? Let us know in the comments.