King Kohli to come back as RCB captain! Gill declines post: Reports

In a bold move ahead of the IPL mega auction, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) are set to re-appoint Virat Kohli as captain, marking his return to a leadership role he held from 2013 to 2021. Kohli’s departure as captain after the 2021 season saw South African cricketer Faf du Plessis take the reins from 2022 to 2024. However, with the team eyeing a fresh strategy, RCB management reached out to Shubman Gill for the role. Talks with Gill ultimately didn’t materialize, leaving the franchise to turn back to Kohli, who remains an RCB icon.

Since stepping down from his IPL captaincy in 2021, Kohli has focused on his gameplay after also ending his captaincy roles in international cricket. His final stint as India’s T20 captain concluded with a triumphant campaign at the 2024 T20 World Cup, adding another feather to his distinguished career. Kohli’s return to RCB captaincy underscores his long-standing commitment to the franchise, one he pledged to play for until his last IPL match.

During his original announcement to step down as captain in 2021, Kohli acknowledged the emotional rollercoaster of his nine-year journey, expressing gratitude to RCB fans. He said, “I will continue to be an RCB player till I play my last game in the IPL... for you guys, for the fans, because of what you've done for me and how you've made me feel over the last so many years.”

RCB’s move to reinstate Kohli also implies that Faf du Plessis, who admirably led the team in recent seasons, will likely not be retained. Kohli’s re-appointment, however, could provide stability and renewed energy for the team, as RCB seeks to break their title drought in the upcoming season.