Former Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) skipper Virat Kohli will head into the 15th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) as a pure batter after leaving the captaincy burden behind himself.
Kohli has been the leader of the Bangalore-based franchise since 2013, but unfortunately, he had no success in the role of a captain as he could not end their trophy drought. Eventually, the 33-year-old announced the end of his captaincy journey last season.
With the responsibility off his shoulders now, Kohli will aim to replicate the success of IPL 2016 that saw him shattering many records as he registered 973 runs with four centuries in a single IPL season.
"Wow. 15 years, it's quite unbelievable that the IPL has come this far. Renewed energy because I am off a lot of responsibilities and duties. Life is in a very good place; we have a child now, we have a family. It's about watching my child grow and doing what I love which is playing cricket. My focus is so clear now, and it is so precise on what I want to do," RCB posted a video of Kohli on their YouTube channel.
After Kohli, the leadership reins have been transferred to Faf du Plessis. The franchise bought the South African for INR 7 crore in the IPL 2022 mega auction, and he brings in the captaincy experience with him as he has led his national side.
Speaking on Faf's appointment as the skipper, Kohli said, "I am absolutely ready. I messaged him as soon as he was picked by RCB. Sounded him a little bit on what's to come. I knew getting Faf in the auction; the plan was very clear. We needed a leader who commands a lot of respect in the dressing room. He has been a Test captain; the profile comes with a lot of accolades already. Absolutely excited for him to lead RCB this year; we get along really well."
Meanwhile, Kohli has entered the RCB bio-bubble and will undergo a mandatory three-day quarantine period before practising. Bangalore will lock horns with Punjab Kings on March 27 at Dr DY Patil Sports Academy, Mumbai.