'Tried to create a culture for team where youngsters can express themselves' : Kohli on his stint as RCB skipper

Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) bowed out of the Indian Premier League (IPL) after losing to Kolkata Knight Riders in the Eliminator. The game was RCB skipper Virat Kohli’s last match as captain of the side. Kohli had earlier announced that he will step down as RCB skipper after the IPL. Speaking about his run at the helm, Kohli said he tried to create a culture where young players can come in and express themselves.

“I have tried my best to create a culture here where youngsters could come in and play with freedom and belief. It is something I have done with India as well,” Kohli, who led the team for a decade, said at the post-match presentation ceremony.

Kohli has been a prolific performer for RCB but his record as a skipper is not that great. Under Kohli, RCB have won 66 matches and lost 70 games. Kohli said he always tried to give his 100% to the team irrespective of the results, adding that he will continue to give his best shot as a player in the coming seasons. He also revealed he will not play for any other franchise in the tournament.

“I have given my best. I don’t know how the response has been, but I have given 120% to this franchise every time, which is something I will now do as a player. It is a great time to regroup and restructure for the next three years with people who will take this ahead,” the outgoing skipper said.

RCB batters had a hard time against KKR spinners as they could only manage 138/7 in their 20 overs. However, the bowlers kept them in the hunt till the final over. Unfortunately, the result didn’t go their way. Kohli hailed the team for their fighting spirit and said, “The fight till the end with the ball has been the hallmark of our team. That one big over (22 runs) in the middle deflated our chances. We fought till the last over and made an amazing game out of it.”