But on Monday night, Kohli’s view was completely different. Royal Challengers Bangalore Was out in the Eliminator of the Indian Premier League Kolkata Knight Riders. RCB Lost by four wickets to be out of contention, and Kohli looked subdued and vulnerable.
After Shakib Al Hasan scored the winning run, a dismayed Kohli turned to his teammates and opponents, tears rolling down their cheeks. Usually, this Delhi cricketer keeps his emotions under control in defeat. But it was a painful defeat. This was his last match as the captain of the franchise, and he knew that his long tenure would end without a trophy win. He will bow out as only one of the three big Indian stars – Mahendra Singh Dhoni and Rohit Sharma being the other two – hasn’t picked up IPL trophy
The tears eventually came down in a torrent. Later in the team, it wasn’t just Kohli who broke down; Now de Villiers, his great companion, cried too. Kohli has come a long way from the trophy only once since taking over from Daniel Vettori in the middle of the 2013 season. He also has the most runs (4,881) by an IPL captain, the most runs by any batsman in a season (973 in 2016), most centuries (5) and maximum 50 (40). But the trophy was never his. It’s sure to hurt to explain the tears.
As captain, Kohli has had a rollercoaster ride in 140 matches with 64 wins and 69 losses (three ties and four without results). On most occasions, especially in 2016 when RCB lost to Sunrisers Hyderabad in the title round, Kohli took the lead with de Villiers. Chris Gayle Partners scoring equal runs.
But a team has little talent in planning, executing and delivering as a unit. Even though it didn’t translate into eventual success, several players have elaborated on Kohli’s aggressive approach being a source of inspiration.
Speaking to the official broadcaster about his long stint as captain, the 32-year-old reflected: “I have tried my best to create a culture here where youngsters can come and play expressive cricket, playing with confidence. This is something that I’ve tried to do at the Indian team level as well.”
Change of guard: Virat Kohli to make room for new captain of Royal Challengers Bangalore next season
Outlining his efforts, Kohli said, “All I can say is that I have given my best. I don’t know how it reacted, but I can attest to the fact that I have given my 120%. This franchise leads the team every year.”
Kohli, who has been with the franchise since the inception of the league, reiterated that he would continue with the Bengaluru-based outfit.
“I don’t see myself playing anywhere else. For me, loyalty matters more than other things that seem more important from a worldly point of view. This franchise has believed in me, and my commitment to this franchise. Till the last day. The day I play IPL,” he said.
As RCB return to the drawing board to not only find a new captain, but also a new team, Kohli pointed out that the time has come for the franchise to start afresh.
“I will continue to make that effort on the field as a player from now on. This is a great time for the next three years to regroup, restructure the franchise and bring in people who will take this culture and this franchise to the next level. Can carry on, moving forward,” he said.
Kohli walked off the field in Sharjah on Monday night as captain and the team finished fourth, signaling not only the end of an era but a new era for RCB with a new leader and a new team. Started off, but the same old motivation – to break his IPL duck.
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