Off The Field

Virat Kohli opens on quarantine plans, life after captaincy as he joins RCB with ‘renewed energy’

Written by Abhishek Patil

Team India and Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) star batter Virat Kohli finally joined his franchise ahead of the 2022 edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL). Kohli, who till six months ago was leading India in all three formats and his franchise in the IPL, is now just a player having been relieved of the role both in international cricket and the cash-rich league.

In a video posted by RCB, Kohli said that he has joined the team this year with renewed energy because of two main reasons. One being now he doesn’t have the extra responsibility of captaining a side, and the second being now that he has become a father, he has a clearer focus both on and off the field.

“Wow 15 [IPL season]! It’s quite unbelievable IPL has come this far and yeah [I am here with] renewed energy because I am off a lot of responsibilities and duties and life is in a very good place. We have a child now, we have a family and for me it’s all about going on about life with a lot of joy and happiness and watching our child grow and doing what I love, which is playing cricket,” the 33-year old said.

The batting stalwart revealed that at the auction the moment RCB got their hands on Faf du Plessis, they knew they have a leader for the side this year, of a pedigree, having captained South Africa in all three formats.

“I messaged him as soon as he was picked for RCB. Sounded him off a little bit about what’s to come. It was made official afterwards but I knew obviously that getting Faf at auction, the plan was very clear that we needed a leader in the change room and he commands that respect,” he further said.

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Abhishek Patil