Kohli hints at staying with RCB until 2027: IPL retention plans revealed

Bengaluru, Virat Kohli has strongly hinted that he intends to continue his competitive cricket career until 2027, with the goal of completing 20 years with Royal Challengers Bengaluru. Kohli, who was retained by the franchise for a hefty sum of ₹21 crore, is determined to extend his tenure despite entering the twilight of his illustrious career. Despite facing a prolonged slump over the past four years due to the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, Kohli remains committed to the sport. Since the inception of the Indian Premier League in 2008, Kohli has been a stalwart for RCB and is the competition's leading run-scorer, having amassed over 8,000 runs at a commendable strike rate of 131.97. His impressive record includes eight centuries and 55 half-centuries. "In three years, it will mark 20 years of my association with RCB, and that is a significant milestone for me," Kohli shared in an interview with 'RCB Bold Diaries', expressing his desire to continue playing until 2027. Despite the uncertainties surrounding his future, Kohli's dedication to the game and his team remains unwavering.

"I have never thought that I am going to play so many years for one team, but the relationship has truly become special over so many years. He reiterated that he doesn't see himself playing for any other franchise. “I don’t see myself anywhere other than RCB, and I am very happy that it happened. I am very excited that I got a chance to create a strong new squad in this auction, something that we are really looking forward to as a franchise, as a team," Kohli said in RCB's Bold Diaries video.

He also pondered on the fact that he shared a close bond with the franchise and its fans, while his goal would be to win the elusive title.

“I am super excited as ever as everyone knows what RCB means to me. It’s been a very, very special relationship over so many years, which continues to grow stronger, and what I have experienced playing for RCB is truly special. I hope that the fans and everyone who’s connected to the franchise feel the same way," he continued.

"I am also just looking forward to this cycle. Obviously, the goal is to win the IPL title at least once in the next cycle."

He promised that RCB will leave no stone unturned to win their elusive IPL title.

“We are going to give it our best shot as always and try to make everyone proud of the way we play our cricket. A big shout out to the fans for your unwavering support over so many years. I am really grateful, really thankful,” Kohli concluded.

Kohli will be a key to RCB’s success: Andy Flower

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Meanwhile, following Kohli's retention, RCB head coach Andy Flower admitted that while the retention itself is not surprising, he would be the key to RCB's success in the coming years.

"Virat’s retention won’t come as much of a surprise to anyone in India. He is and will be a key to RCB’s success in the future. He was sensational last year. He was one of the leaders who propelled us into the playoffs despite a poor first half of the season," he told JioCinema.

Besides Kohli, RCB has also retained two more players Rajat Patidar and Yash Dayal .

As a result, RCB will have a purse of ₹83 crore heading into the mega auction tentatively scheduled later this month.

The franchise would also contain three Right To Match cards, allowing it to retain three more players .

Glenn Maxwell, Mohammed Siraj, Faf du Plessis and Cameron Green are among the top RCB players set to go under the hammer.

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