Days after announcing his decision to step down as India’s T20 captain after the 2021 World Cup, Virat Kohli said that he will no longer remain Royal Challengers Bangalore’s skipper after the current IPL season. 

“This will be my last IPL as captain of RCB. I’ll continue to be an RCB player till I play my last IPL game. I thank all the RCB fans for believing in me and supporting me,” Virat Kohli said in a video posted by the franchise. 

As soon as the announcement was made, RCB and Virat Kohli supporters reacted, mostly emotionally. The 32-year-old said he’ll want to give the RCB management time to plan before the ‘transition’, starting with next year’s mega auction.

Also read: IPL 2021: Virat Kohli to step down as RCB captain. What’s next for the franchise

He further thanked his fans for their support, while also assuring them that he’ll continue to play for the RCB for the rest of his career.

Here are some reactions: 

Kohli was inducted in the RCB squad in 2008, when the league came into existence, and started leading the side in 2013. He has not managed to win the IPL title even once but was never removed from captaincy due to his immense brand value.

“It is just a little halt, not the end of the journey. The journey will continue,” he asserted.

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One of the most decorated players of the franchise, the star batsman will continue to be a part of the RCB squad.

Kohli has been enduring a tough phase in which he has gone without a Test century in two years and perhaps the decision will help focus on the longest format of the game.

He has managed 563 runs at 26.80 in 12 Tests during this period.

Also read: Fans ‘quite sad’ as Kohli to step down as RCB captain after IPL 2021

“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.” Kohli has played 199 IPL matches and scored 6076 runs so far with five hundreds.

He had his best IPL season as a batsman in 2016 when he claimed the Orange Cap with 640 runs averaging an astonishing 81.

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The highest paid cricketer in the IPL, Kohli was the first to be retained by his franchise ahead of the 2018 players auction.

Mike Hesson, RCB’s director of cricket operations, thanked Kohli for his contribution as the team’s captain.

“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,” Hesson tweeted.