Virat Kohli to step down as RCB captain after IPL 2021

Virat Kohli will step down as the captain of Royal Challengers Bangalore at the end of Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021, the franchise announced on Sunday. The announcement followed Kohli's decision to step down as India's T20I captain after the 2021 T20 World Cup.

"Royal Challengers Bangalore announces that Virat Kohli has decided to step down from his role as captain after the completion of VIVO IPL 2021. Kohli, one of the most decorated players of the franchise, will continue to be part of the RCB squad," an official release said.

Kohli, who played for RCB since the inaugural IPL season in 2008, was made captain in 2011 and led the side in 132 matches winning 62 and losing 66 matches at a success rate of 48.4%. Under Kohli's captaincy, RCB reached the play-offs in 2015 and 2020 and finished runners-up in 2011 and 2016. 

"It has been a great and an inspiring journey, captaining a talented bunch of players in the RCB squad," the 32-year old said. 

"I would like to take this opportunity to thank the RCB management, coaches, support staff, players, and the entire RCB family, who have been instrumental in the growth of the franchise over the years. It wasn't an easy decision but one that has been well thought of and in the best interest of this wonderful franchise. The RCB family remains close to my heart as we continue to strive to achieve excellence. As I have mentioned previously in many occasions, I will only play for RCB until my retirement from the game of cricket," he added.

Kohli, who is the leading run scorer of the competition, also leads the batting charts as a captain with 4,674 runs at an average of 43.28, including 33 fifties and 5 hundreds.