RCB’s Bold Decision: Virat Kohli Returns as Captain After Shubman Gill Negotiations Fail – Report

Virat Kohli is reportedly set to reclaim the captaincy for Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Kohli, who led the Bengaluru-based franchise from 2013 to 2021, had stepped down after the 14th season of the T20 league. In the subsequent years, RCB was captained by South African star Faf du Plessis, who held the leadership role from 2022 to 2024. However, ahead of the next IPL mega auction, the franchise appears to be making a significant shift by bringing Kohli back to lead the team.

Kohli no longer captains international cricket in any format. He stepped down from T20 internationals following India’s 2024 T20 World Cup victory. According to a report by The Times of India, Kohli is expected to resume his IPL captaincy duties.

Kohli’s original decision to step down as RCB captain was shared with fans before the 2021 season concluded. Many then speculated that Kohli’s resignation was influenced by RCB’s lack of an IPL title under his leadership. However, despite Kohli’s exit from the captaincy, the team’s struggles persisted, and no substantial changes occurred.

No fan’s of Captain Virat Kohli will pass without liking this post ♥️

King Kohli is Back 👑 #IPLRetention #ViratKohli pic.twitter.com/xXoxFbKbPd

— Kohlified 🗿 (@ShreeGZunjarrao) October 30, 2024

In a memorable statement during his 2021 announcement, Kohli reflected on his journey: “I will continue to be an RCB player till I play my last game in the IPL. It’s been a journey of joy, frustration, happiness, and sadness, and I want to thank each of you from the bottom of my heart for supporting me so relentlessly and unconditionally.”

Kohli had continued, adding, “I am committed to playing for this franchise till my last day in the IPL, for the fans, and because of the tremendous support and love you all have given me over the years. This bond will stay with me for the rest of my life.”

Kohli’s reinstatement as RCB captain also hints that the team may not retain Faf du Plessis. Furthermore, reports indicate that RCB had considered Shubman Gill for the captaincy role, but he chose to remain with the Gujarat Titans.

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