Virat Kohli and the name Royal Challengers Bangalore go hand in hand and the cricketer made it clear in a video that was released to announce the news of him stepping down as RCB captain after IPL 2021. In an apparently emotional video, Kohli said that he will continue to be an RCB player till his last IPL game and can’t imagine being associated with any other franchise in the league.

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

In the video, which was shared on Royal Challengers Bangalore’s Twitter handle on Sunday, Kohli can be seen announcing that he will be stepping down as the captain of the team after this IPL and also explained the reason behind the call. Here’s the video!

“To the whole RCB family. The fans, the amazing fans of Bangalore and everyone who has been a supporter of RCB for so many years. I had an announcement to make. Just spoken to the squad this evening. Before the second leg of the tournament starts, to inform everyone that this is going to be my last leg in the IPL as captain of RCB,” Kohli said as he announced the news.

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On continuing his association with Royal Challengers Bangalore, a name that has been synonymous with Virat Kohli since its inception, Kohli said, “Understanding that RCB is going to go through a big transitional phase. There is a big auction coming up next year. I have made it clear to the management that I can’t think of being in any other team than RCB and that has been my commitment from day one. I will continue to be an RCB player till I play my last game in the IPL.”

The player also explained hos fans the reason behind this call and made it clear that he was doing it to manage his pending workload and space.

“My workload, which has been immense for the last so many years. I want to be able to be committed to the responsibilities that I am fulfilling, and I felt that I needed the space to refresh, to regroup and to be absolutely clear in how I want to move forward,” Kohli added.

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

On his journey with the franchise, Kohli said, “It has been a great journey of 9 years, of joy and frustration, of moments of happiness and sadness. I just want to thank all of you from the bottom of my heart for supporting me and believing in me relentlessly and unconditionally.”

The player also thanked his fans and supporters and said the love he received during his IPL tenure will continue to stay with him for the rest of his life. 

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Virat Kohli was bagged by the RCB as a player in 2008 when the team was first launched. He became the captain of the team in 2012.

However, RCB failed to win an IPL trophy under his leadership and the player was often trolled on social media for the same.