He Will Be Key To Our Success: RCB Head Coach Andy Flower Reveals Why Virat Kohli Is Retained

Virat Kohli has dropped elaborate hints that he would like to continue playing competitive cricket till 2027 with an aim to complete 20 years with Royal Challengers Bengaluru after being retained by franchise for a hefty fee of Rs 21 crore.

Having entered twilight zone of his illustrious career, speculations are rife about how long 36-year-old would continue in top flight cricket having endured a prolonged lull for last four years since start of COVID-19.

Kohli has been playing for RCB ever since IPL 's inception in 2008 and is leading run-scorer in competition, amassing over 8,000 runs at a healthy if t spectacular strike rate of 131.97, including eight hundreds and 55 fifties.

“At end of this cycle, it is going to be 20 years that I am going to be playing for RCB and that in itself is a very, very special feeling for me," Kohli told 'RCB Bold Diaries' indicating that he aims to continue for at least ar three years till 2027.

"I have never thought that I am going to play so many years for one team, but relationship has truly become special over so many years.

He reiterated that he doesn't see himself playing for any or franchise.

“I don’t see myself anywhere or than RCB, and I am very happy that it happened. I am very excited that I got a chance to create a strong new squad in this auction, something that we are really looking forward to as a franchise, as a team," Kohli said in RCB's Bold Diaries video.

He also pondered on fact that he shared a close bond with franchise and its fans, while his goal would be to win elusive title.

“I am super excited as ever as everyone kws what RCB means to me. It’s been a very, very special relationship over so many years, which continues to grow stronger, and what I have experienced playing for RCB is truly special. I hope that fans and everyone who’s connected to franchise feel same way," he continued.

"I am also just looking forward to this cycle. Obviously, goal is to win IPL title at least once in next cycle." He promised that RCB will leave stone unturned to win ir elusive IPL title.

“We are going to give it our best shot as always and try to make everyone proud of way we play our cricket. A big shout out to fans for your unwavering support over so many years. I am really grateful, really thankful,” Kohli concluded.

Kohli will be a key to RCB’s success: Andy Flower  

Meanwhile, following Kohli's retention, RCB head coach Andy Flower admitted that while retention itself is t surprising, he would be key to RCB's success in coming years.

"Virat’s retention won’t come as much of a surprise to anyone in India. He is and will be a key to RCB’s success in future. He was sensational last year. He was one of leaders who propelled us into playoffs despite a poor first half of season," he told JioCinema.

Besides Kohli, RCB has also retained two more players -- Rajat Patidar (Rs 11 crore) and Yash Dayal (Rs 5 crore).

As a result, RCB will have a purse of Rs 83 crore heading into mega auction tentatively scheduled later this month.

franchise would also contain three Right To Match (RTM) cards, allowing it to retain three more players (an uncapped player and two capped players, or three capped players).

Glenn Maxwell, Mohammed Siraj, Faf du Plessis and Cameron Green are among top RCB players set to go under hammer.