On Saturday, March 11, Virat Kohli celebrated 15 years with the Bangalore team in the Indian T20 league. On this historic occasion, the franchise became emotional and paid tribute to the former captain for his enormous contribution to the team as a player and captain.
While RCB is yet to win the maiden IPL trophy, the franchise undoubtedly has a huge fan base because of Kohli. Signed as an Under-19 player, the former India captain has had a roller coaster ride with the franchise in the past 15 years.
“15 years of the King in RCB colours. #OnThisDay in 2008, we signed Virat on Day 2 of the #IPLAuction in the Under-19 player draft system. For everything you have done and continue to do for us, #ThankYouKing,” read the captain of Banaglore’s post.
Here is Bangalore’s post for Virat Kohli
15 years of the King in RCB colours ?#OnThisDay in 2008, we signed Virat on Day 2?? of the #IPLAuction in the Under-19 player draft system. ??
For everything you have done and continue to do for us, #ThankYouKing ?#PlayBold @imVkohli pic.twitter.com/xTOxqu6LF4
— Royal Challengers Bangalore (@RCBTweets) March 11, 2023
The franchise has reached the finals three times but has never crossed the finish line. Kohli, on the other hand, believes that this could be the year because the team has a good balance with bat and ball. Kohli has yet to find his groove with the bat after relinquishing captaincy in the 2022 season. Fans can’t wait to see the 2016 version of the right-handed batter.
Without a doubt, the former India captain had his best season with the bat in 2016, when he scored a mind-boggling 973 runs in 16 matches. Kohli’s four-hundred runs propelled Bangalore to the tournament’s finals. Kohli can express himself with the bat without the pressure of captaincy, just as he did during the 20-20 World Cup 2022.
The 2023 edition of the Indian T20 League will begin on the 31st of March with defending champions Gujarat taking on MS Dhoni’s Chennai in the opener. Bangalore will play its first game against five-time champions Mumbai on the 2nd of April at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium. This will be their first match in Bangalore in three years.
Here is how Twitter reacted
2016 season : BEAST MODE unleashed of kING ???????
— kchdnssteja (@Kchdnssuryateja) March 11, 2023
15 years of a bond that’s like no other. Been full of ups and downs, but through thick and thin being together has what made it so spl. Thank you, King! #PlayBold #RCB we’ll do the same for #RCBW now!
— Mangalam Undagattum! (@bluescluejp) March 11, 2023
15 years of exemplary statements like we are gutted,we will come back hard next year,cheer up boys,thank you fans for the support
— Rahul (@Rahul74876487) March 11, 2023
Kash mi ya csk me hota to trophy mil jati?
But the love he gets from rcb fans is unimaginable ??— R (@Thunder3108) March 11, 2023
Kohli’s journey with RCB is not just about cricket, it’s about the emotions, the passion, and the love for the game.. Congratulations King Kohli ???????
— ?? ????? ???????? ?? ?? (@AifazTechInning) March 11, 2023
The only player in the history of IPL to play 15 years for a single franchise. ?
Virat Kohli ? RCB
— Mohit (@CricketHolik) March 11, 2023
Virat Kohli only player to play all IPL seasons for single franchise,
Loyalty matters ??— KRISHNA? (@KrishnaVK_18) March 11, 2023
Kohli would’ve won 3 – 4 Titles if he had played for any other franchise.
— Cricket Crazy (@CrazyinCricket) March 11, 2023
People severely overhype Dhoni auction in the IPL and grossly underhype this induction. The one and only time RCB hit the bullseye is during Virat’s auction.
— Santhi Swaroop (@TheeHungryNomad) March 11, 2023
15 years without IPL Trophy ?
— Roshmi ?? (@Tumhari_Roshmi) March 11, 2023
