Virat Kohli, the star Indian batter has been synonymous with the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) right from the start of the IPL in 2008.
After the franchises announced their official retentions on October 1, Kohli was one of the three players retained by the franchise.
This made him the only player to continue with the same franchise right from the tournament’s inception. RCB retained him for Rs 21 crores.
Kohli expressed his excitement to create a fresh squad in the upcoming IPL mega auction. He wants to at least win the tournament once before the next mega auction happens after three years. Kohli wants to give his all to make the loyal RCB fans happy.
Kohli said in a video shared by RCB shortly after the retentions were revealed
“Very excited with the chance to create a squad at this auction, something that I’m really looking forward to as a franchise, as a team. In the next three years, obviously, the goal is to win the IPL title at least once. We’re going to give our best shot as always and I’ll try to make everyone proud, with the way we play out cricket,”
Virat Kohli is set to be back as the RCB captain
RCB have not won the title even once since its start but enjoys a loyal and passionate fanbase throughout the country.
Kohli is one of the reasons for the increase in brand value and the popularity of the franchise. Several reports have repeatedly claimed that Virat Kohli is all set to reprise his role as a skipper of the Royal Challengers.
Faf du Plessis the skipper for the RCB in the last three seasons was terrific as he led them to 2-playoffs, while also he recently won the CPL as a skipper for the maiden time.
However, with his age being 40 and Kohli’s interest to be back as the captain, they decided to not retain him.
RCB have retained only Kohli, Rajat Patidar and Mohammed Siraj out of the 25 players that they had. Kohli won the orange cap last year having scored 700 runs and will want to continue the same after having retired from the T20I format after the T20 World Cup 2024 win.
Head Coach Andy Flower opens up on Rajat Patidar’s big retention
The Royals Challengers went on to release the likes of key names likes of Faf du Plessis, Glenn Maxwell and Cameron Green while also didn’t retain the likes of Mohammad Siraj.
However, alongside Virat Kohli, they have retained the likes of uncapped Yash Dayal for INR 5 Crores while also middle-order batter Rajat Patidar, who was recently in talks for having scored a century off just 67 balls.
Meanwhile, reported that Andy Flower the head coach made some bold decisions and he is happy with the decisions made. Clarifying the reason for retaining Rajat Patidar, the head coach went on to specify that his stunningness adds a great impact to RCB.
Said the RCB head coach
“Rajat Patidar is a key member of our squad. His exceptional talent and resilience have already made a significant impact on our team, and he truly embodies the spirit of RCB. We are excited to see him continue to develop and shine in the upcoming season,”
RCB has reportedly retained a purse of INR 83 crores after having retained only 3 players worth 37 Crores. They will enter with the second largest purse into the mega-auction and also 3 RTM options.
