Virat Kohli, a name synonymous with Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), shared his excitement and gratitude upon being retained by the franchise. Kohli, who has been with RCB since the league's inception in 2008, expressed his deep connection to the team in a social media post, saying, "I am super excited as ever" about continuing his journey with RCB.
Watch Kohli's full statement here:
“𝐀𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐞𝐧𝐝 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝟑-𝐲𝐞𝐚𝐫 𝐜𝐲𝐜𝐥𝐞 𝐢𝐭 𝐰𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐛𝐞 𝟐𝟎 𝐲𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐬 𝐚𝐭 𝐑𝐂𝐁 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐢𝐭𝐬𝐞𝐥𝐟 𝐢𝐬 𝐚 𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐟𝐞𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠.”
— Royal Challengers Bengaluru (@RCBTweets) October 31, 2024
King Kohli expresses his feelings and aspirations for the upcoming IPL ahead of the Mega Auction… pic.twitter.com/aKZEv8mtYf
In the video message to fans, Kohli conveyed his appreciation to RCB for keeping him as part of their squad and confirmed his commitment to the franchise, stating, " I am sending out this message to inform everyone that I’ve been retained by RCB once again for the three-year cycle of the IPL, beginning next year and I am super excited as ever."
Retained for a substantial INR 21 crore, Kohli was one of three players RCB held on to, alongside Rajat Patidar (INR 11 crore) and Yash Dayal (INR 5 crore). These choices highlight the team’s focus on both seasoned talent and promising new players as they build for the next IPL cycle.
“The goal is to win the title”, says Virat Kohli
Reflecting on his enduring association with RCB, Kohli emphasized the unique bond he has developed with the franchise, describing it as a “very, very special relationship” that has strengthened over time. “Everyone knows what RCB means to me, it’s has been a very very special relationship over so many years which continues to grow stronger and what I’ve experienced playing for RCB is truly special and I hope the fans and everyone who is connected to the franchise feels the same way,” Kohli said.
"At the end of this 3-year cycle, it will make it 20 years at RCB for me and that is a very special feeling. The goal is to win the title at least once in the next cycle and we are going to give our best shot as always and try and make everyone proud of the way we play our cricket,” Kohli added.