<p>Virat Kohli will not be leading Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in the upcoming season of the Indian Premier League (IPL) having stepped down from captaincy after the conclusion of IPL 2021 in the UAE last year. Kohli had led RCB to the playoffs of IPL 2021 in what was his final season as the captain of the franchise.</p>

<p>RCB will be looking for a captaincy candidate when they head into the upcoming IPL mega auction ahead of the 2022 season. While there are several top players who are set to go under the hammer, star India batter Shreyas Iyer is reportedly on the radar of several franchises as a potential captaincy candidate.</p>

<p>Iyer was part of the Delhi Capitals squad last year and parted ways with the franchise after being replaced by Rishabh Pant as captain. Iyer had led Delhi Capitals to their maiden IPL final in the 2020 season and has already proven his leadership qualities in the league.</p>

<p>While the two new teams - Lucknow Super Giants and the Ahmedabad IPL franchise have already roped in KL Rahul and Hardik Pandya as their captains respectively, there are a number of teams who will be on the lookout for potential captaincy candidates.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cheaper-hotels-minimum-air-travel-south-africa-makes-lucrative-offer-to-bcci-in-a-bid-to-host-ipl-2022-447399">Cheaper hotels, minimum air-travel: South Africa makes lucrative offer to BCCI in a bid to host IPL 2022</a><br />
&nbsp;</p>

<p>Iyer is reportedly on RCB's radar for the captaincy role after Kohli's decision to quit. However, former India opener Aakash Chopra believes RCB should not keep the Indian star batter as their number one option. While sharing his views on the RCB captaincy debate, Chopra suggested the franchise can rope in West Indies all-rounder Jason Holder as the captain of the team.</p>

<p>Chopra also suggested the idea of Glenn Maxwell, who has been retained by the franchise, as a potential captaincy candidate for IPL 2022. While Maxwell is already part of the RCB squad, Holder played for Sunrisers Hyderabad last year and will be entering the IPL mega auction this time around.</p>

<p>"Shreyas Iyer is an option. Bangalore can think about him but personally, he is not my No. 1 pick for Bangalore because the ground is not like that. He is a top-order batter and it will not work out if you send him below No. 4. You might not have a place till No. 4 as you have Kohli and Maxwell, and you are trying to bat Maxwell up the order," Chopra said in a video on his YouTube channel.</p>

<p>&nbsp;"They can either think about Maxwell or let me just throw a name here - Jason Holder. He is an unassuming character, does not impose himself, he is absolutely perfect for a franchise like RCB. He will play all the matches, he knows how to run a team and he will never take the center stage," Chopra added.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/shreyas-iyer-to-david-warner-full-list-of-players-with-highest-base-price-of-rs-2cr-ahead-of-ipl-mega-auction-446663">Iyer to Warner: Full list of players with highest base price of Rs 2cr ahead of IPL mega auction</a></p>

<p>RCB have managed to qualify for the playoffs in the last two seasons but are yet to win their maiden IPL trophy. Kohli was leading the side from 2013 but failed to inspire them to glory even once in the league. RCB will be hoping to spark a turnaround and build a strong team to win the tournament this year.</p>

<p>Holder has never led a team in the Indian Premier League but has been great as captainc with the West Indies national team. The all-rounder has played 26 IPL matches so far, amassing 189 runs and picking up 35 wickets.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


Virat Kohli will not be leading Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in the upcoming season of the Indian Premier League (IPL) having stepped down from captaincy after the conclusion of IPL 2021 in the UAE last year.

Virat Kohli will not be leading Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in the upcoming season of the Indian Premier League (IPL) having stepped down from captaincy after the conclusion of IPL 2021 in the UAE last year. Kohli had led RCB to the playoffs of IPL 2021 in what was his final season as the captain of the franchise. RCB will be looking for a captaincy candidate when they head into the upcoming IPL mega auction ahead of the 2022 season. While there are several top players who are set to go under the hammer, star India batter Shreyas Iyer is reportedly on the radar of several franchises as a potential captaincy candidate. Iyer was part of the Delhi Capitals squad last year and parted ways with the franchise after being replaced by Rishabh Pant as captain. Iyer had led Delhi Capitals to their maiden IPL final in the 2020 season and has already proven his leadership qualities in the league. While the two new teams - Lucknow Super Giants and the Ahmedabad IPL franchise have already roped in KL Rahul and Hardik Pandya as their captains respectively, there are a number of teams who will be on the lookout for potential captaincy candidates. Also Read: Cheaper hotels, minimum air-travel: South Africa makes lucrative offer to BCCI in a bid to host IPL 2022 Iyer is reportedly on RCB's radar for the captaincy role after Kohli's decision to quit. However, former India opener Aakash Chopra believes RCB should not keep the Indian star batter as their number one option. While sharing his views on the RCB captaincy debate, Chopra suggested the franchise can rope in West Indies all-rounder Jason Holder as the captain of the team. Chopra also suggested the idea of Glenn Maxwell, who has been retained by the franchise, as a potential captaincy candidate for IPL 2022. While Maxwell is already part of the RCB squad, Holder played for Sunrisers Hyderabad last year and will be entering the IPL mega auction this time around. "Shreyas Iyer is an option. Bangalore can think about him but personally, he is not my No. 1 pick for Bangalore because the ground is not like that. He is a top-order batter and it will not work out if you send him below No. 4. You might not have a place till No. 4 as you have Kohli and Maxwell, and you are trying to bat Maxwell up the order," Chopra said in a video on his YouTube channel. "They can either think about Maxwell or let me just throw a name here - Jason Holder. He is an unassuming character, does not impose himself, he is absolutely perfect for a franchise like RCB. He will play all the matches, he knows how to run a team and he will never take the center stage," Chopra added. Also Read: Iyer to Warner: Full list of players with highest base price of Rs 2cr ahead of IPL mega auction RCB have managed to qualify for the playoffs in the last two seasons but are yet to win their maiden IPL trophy. Kohli was leading the side from 2013 but failed to inspire them to glory even once in the league. RCB will be hoping to spark a turnaround and build a strong team to win the tournament this year. Holder has never led a team in the Indian Premier League but has been great as captainc with the West Indies national team. The all-rounder has played 26 IPL matches so far, amassing 189 runs and picking up 35 wickets.

Not Shreyas Iyer! Aakash Chopra names West Indies all-rounder who should replace Virat Kohli as RCB captain

<p>Indian cricket team star Shreyas Iyer is one of the top players who is all set to enter the pool in the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) mega auction ahead of the 2022 edition of the tournament. Iyer is all set to find a new team ahead of the new season after parting ways with his former side Delhi Capitals (DC).</p>

<p>Iyer had decided to leave DC after the franchise appointed Rishabh Pant as their new captain denying the Mumbai batter a chance to lead the side. He led Delhi Capitals in three seasons and inspired them to their first-ever final in IPL 2020 where they lost to Mumbai Indians in the summit clash to miss out on winning their maiden IPL crown.</p>

<p>Nonetheless, Iyer is set to find a new team and will enter the auction pool this time around. He is reportedly admired a lot by the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), who are in search of a captaincy candidate after superstar Virat Kohli decided to step down as the skipper of the side post the conclusion of IPL 2021 last year.</p>

<p>As per a report in the <em>Times of India</em>, RCB are interested in roping in Iyer at the upcoming mega auction which is scheduled to take place in Bengaluru next month. “Post Virat Kohli quitting the RCB captaincy, RCB are really interested in having Iyer as their next captain. Expect them to bid aggressively for the Mumbaikar in next month’s auction in Bangalore,” a source close to the development, was quoted as saying by Times of India.</p>

<p>RCB are not the only team interested in Iyer and will be bidding for him at the mega auction as the likes of Kolkata Knight Riders and Punjab Kings are also said to be eyeing the former Delhi Capitals captain. Both KKR and Punjab Kings will also be in the auction for a captaincy candidate after letting go of their respective ex-skippers Eoin Morgan and KL Rahul ahead of IPL 2022.</p>

<p>“The Kolkata Knight Riders and Punjab Kings are also expected to eye him in the auction,” the source said.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/from-kl-rahul-to-shreyas-iyer-5-potential-captaincy-candidates-for-new-ipl-teams-lucknow-and-ahmedabad-434365">From Rahul to&nbsp;Iyer: 5 potential captaincy candidates for new IPL teams Lucknow and Ahmedabad</a></p>

<p>As per the report, Iyer was not offered captaincy by any of the two new teams - Lucknow and Ahmedabad and hence he will be heading into the mega auction. As per reports, the Lucknow franchise is likely to appoint KL Rahul as their new captain while the Ahmedabad franchise is expected to rope in Hardik Pandya as their captain ahead of the mega auction.</p>

<p>Both the new teams can pick a maximum of three players each in the draft ahead of the mega auction.&nbsp;None of the teams have yet officially confirmed any signing ahead of the auction.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


Indian cricket team star Shreyas Iyer is one of the top players who is all set to enter the pool in the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) mega auction ahead of the 2022 edition of the tournament.

Indian cricket team star Shreyas Iyer is one of the top players who is all set to enter the pool in the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) mega auction ahead of the 2022 edition of the tournament. Iyer is all set to find a new team ahead of the new season after parting ways with his former side Delhi Capitals (DC). Iyer had decided to leave DC after the franchise appointed Rishabh Pant as their new captain denying the Mumbai batter a chance to lead the side. He led Delhi Capitals in three seasons and inspired them to their first-ever final in IPL 2020 where they lost to Mumbai Indians in the summit clash to miss out on winning their maiden IPL crown. Nonetheless, Iyer is set to find a new team and will enter the auction pool this time around. He is reportedly admired a lot by the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), who are in search of a captaincy candidate after superstar Virat Kohli decided to step down as the skipper of the side post the conclusion of IPL 2021 last year. As per a report in the Times of India, RCB are interested in roping in Iyer at the upcoming mega auction which is scheduled to take place in Bengaluru next month. “Post Virat Kohli quitting the RCB captaincy, RCB are really interested in having Iyer as their next captain. Expect them to bid aggressively for the Mumbaikar in next month’s auction in Bangalore,” a source close to the development, was quoted as saying by Times of India. RCB are not the only team interested in Iyer and will be bidding for him at the mega auction as the likes of Kolkata Knight Riders and Punjab Kings are also said to be eyeing the former Delhi Capitals captain. Both KKR and Punjab Kings will also be in the auction for a captaincy candidate after letting go of their respective ex-skippers Eoin Morgan and KL Rahul ahead of IPL 2022. “The Kolkata Knight Riders and Punjab Kings are also expected to eye him in the auction,” the source said. Also Read: From Rahul to Iyer: 5 potential captaincy candidates for new IPL teams Lucknow and Ahmedabad As per the report, Iyer was not offered captaincy by any of the two new teams - Lucknow and Ahmedabad and hence he will be heading into the mega auction. As per reports, the Lucknow franchise is likely to appoint KL Rahul as their new captain while the Ahmedabad franchise is expected to rope in Hardik Pandya as their captain ahead of the mega auction. Both the new teams can pick a maximum of three players each in the draft ahead of the mega auction. None of the teams have yet officially confirmed any signing ahead of the auction.

Shreyas Iyer to replace Virat Kohli as RCB captain? Three IPL teams eye ex-DC skipper at mega auction

<p>AB de Villiers remains a big name in world cricket. Having announced a sudden retirement from international cricket in early 2018, with 8765, 9577 and 1,672 runs in Tests, ODIs and T20Is respectively, the former Proteas captain made the headlines as it was widely speculated that he will make a comeback at the highest level for the 2021 T20 World Cup. However, all such speculations were finally put to rest by the man himself in early last year.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Nonetheless, the right-handed batter ABD continued to make headlines by playing competitive cricket before announcing his retirement from all forms of the game post IPL 2021. In a series of tweets, de Villiers wrote, "It has been an incredible journey, but I have decided to retire from all cricket. Ever since the back yard matches with my older brothers, I have played the game with pure enjoyment and unbridled enthusiasm. Now, at the age of 37, that flame no longer burns so brightly.</p>

<p>"That’s the reality I must accept - and, even if it may seem sudden, that is why I am making this announcement today. I’ve had my time. Cricket has been exceptionally kind to me," he added.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/certainly-an-option-aussie-speedster-mitchel-starc-willing-to-put-his-name-for-ipl-2022-mega-auction-444142">'Certainly an option' - Aussie speedster Mitchel Starc willing to put his name for IPL 2022 mega auction</a></strong></p>

<p>Recently, the former Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) recruit ABD opened up on his retirement decision and revealed that IPL 2021 being held in two halves affected his 'enjoyment of cricket'. Speaking to TimesLive, de Villiers opined, "Cricketing wise, it has been coming for quite some time, it's always been about enjoyment for me. And the minute where I felt the difficulty of travelling and being there at the IPL for two and half to three months a year, specifically with this one that was spilt into two, bubbles and this and that made things very complicated with regards to cricket and the enjoyment thereof."</p>

<p>"I found myself on the park where scoring runs and doing well for the team didn't really match with everything that goes with it anymore and that is where the balance started leading towards hanging my gloves up. I have never been the guy who is going to push every single bit of energy of my ability and my cricketing skill, I have always played for the enjoyment of the game. And the minute that sort of started going down, I knew it was time for me to move on," he further added.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2022-mega-auction-in-bengaluru-as-dates-confirmed-after-governing-council-meeting-443975">IPL 2022 mega auction in Bengaluru as dates confirmed after governing council meeting</a></strong></p>

<p>For the unversed, IPL 14 was the first-ever season to be played in two parts. The first leg was indefinitely postponed midway due to the second wave of Covid-19 in India. Hence, the second and final leg was hosted in the UAE in late 2021. De Villiers ended his IPL career by amassing 5,162 runs -- sixth-most overall -- with 40 half-centuries and three centuries at a whopping strike-rate of 151.68.</p>


AB de Villiers remains a big name in world cricket. Having announced a sudden retirement from international cricket in early 2018, with 8765, 9577 and 1,672 runs in Tests, ODIs and T20Is respectively, the former Proteas captain made the headlines as it was widely speculated that he will make a comeback at the highest level for the 2021 T20 World Cup.

AB de Villiers remains a big name in world cricket. Having announced a sudden retirement from international cricket in early 2018, with 8765, 9577 and 1,672 runs in Tests, ODIs and T20Is respectively, the former Proteas captain made the headlines as it was widely speculated that he will make a comeback at the highest level for the 2021 T20 World Cup. However, all such speculations were finally put to rest by the man himself in early last year. Nonetheless, the right-handed batter ABD continued to make headlines by playing competitive cricket before announcing his retirement from all forms of the game post IPL 2021. In a series of tweets, de Villiers wrote, "It has been an incredible journey, but I have decided to retire from all cricket. Ever since the back yard matches with my older brothers, I have played the game with pure enjoyment and unbridled enthusiasm. Now, at the age of 37, that flame no longer burns so brightly. "That’s the reality I must accept - and, even if it may seem sudden, that is why I am making this announcement today. I’ve had my time. Cricket has been exceptionally kind to me," he added. ALSO READ | 'Certainly an option' - Aussie speedster Mitchel Starc willing to put his name for IPL 2022 mega auction Recently, the former Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) recruit ABD opened up on his retirement decision and revealed that IPL 2021 being held in two halves affected his 'enjoyment of cricket'. Speaking to TimesLive, de Villiers opined, "Cricketing wise, it has been coming for quite some time, it's always been about enjoyment for me. And the minute where I felt the difficulty of travelling and being there at the IPL for two and half to three months a year, specifically with this one that was spilt into two, bubbles and this and that made things very complicated with regards to cricket and the enjoyment thereof." "I found myself on the park where scoring runs and doing well for the team didn't really match with everything that goes with it anymore and that is where the balance started leading towards hanging my gloves up. I have never been the guy who is going to push every single bit of energy of my ability and my cricketing skill, I have always played for the enjoyment of the game. And the minute that sort of started going down, I knew it was time for me to move on," he further added. ALSO READ | IPL 2022 mega auction in Bengaluru as dates confirmed after governing council meeting For the unversed, IPL 14 was the first-ever season to be played in two parts. The first leg was indefinitely postponed midway due to the second wave of Covid-19 in India. Hence, the second and final leg was hosted in the UAE in late 2021. De Villiers ended his IPL career by amassing 5,162 runs -- sixth-most overall -- with 40 half-centuries and three centuries at a whopping strike-rate of 151.68.

De Villiers spills the beans on retirement, says IPL 14 held in two halves affected 'enjoyment of cricket'

<p>All eight existing Indian Premier League (IPL) sides revealed the final list of players they have retained in November last year ahead of the IPL 2022 mega auction. While the eight old teams were given a maximum of four retentions each, the two new franchises - Ahmedabad and Lucknow can pick a maximum of three players from the pool of non-retained ones.</p>

<p>Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) retained only three players ahead of the mega auction as they decided to keep Virat Kohli, Glenn Maxwell and Mohammed Siraj while letting go of the likes of Yuzvendra Chahal, Devdutt Padikkal and Harshal Patel among others. It came as a surprise to many when RCB did not retain Harshal, who was the leading wicket-taker in IPL 2021.</p>

<p>The Indian pacer had set the season on fire with his heroics with the ball as he played an instrumental role in helping RCB reach the playoffs. Harshal delivered consistently with the ball and picked up 32 wickets for RCB in just 15 matches to finish as the highest wicket-taker of the season.</p>

<p>However, he was surprisingly released by RCB. The fast bowler recently opened up on the snub and himself answered the big question - why he was released by RCB despite his heroics in IPL 2021. Harshal revealed he got a call from RCB's Director of Cricket Mike Hesson, who told him he was not picked due to purse management.</p>

<p>“When I was not retained, Mike Hesson (RCB’s Director of Cricket) called me and said, that it was mainly purse management,” Harshal was quoted as saying by <em>Crictracker</em>.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/pakistan-pacer-thanks-legend-ms-dhoni-for-special-gesture-after-receiving-his-iconic-no7-jersey-443015">Pakistan pacer thanks legend MS Dhoni for special gesture after receiving his iconic no.7 jersey</a></p>

<p>The Indian pacer is keen to play for RCB against and rejoin the side if given a chance. He revealed he has not recieved any approaches from any franchise yet about joining them ahead of the mega auction and would love to make a comeback to RCB for IPL 2022.</p>

<p>“They would obviously love to have me back in the team and I too would obviously would love to go back and play for the team because RCB and this season (2021) changed my entire career and my entire life. However, in terms of auction, I haven’t heard from any franchises yet,” Harshal added.</p>

<p>Harshal is likely to fetch a decent amount at the IPL 2022 mega auction as he will be in demanamong several franchises after his brilliant run in IPL 2021.</p>


All eight existing Indian Premier League (IPL) sides revealed the final list of players they have retained in November last year ahead of the IPL 2022 mega auction.

All eight existing Indian Premier League (IPL) sides revealed the final list of players they have retained in November last year ahead of the IPL 2022 mega auction. While the eight old teams were given a maximum of four retentions each, the two new franchises - Ahmedabad and Lucknow can pick a maximum of three players from the pool of non-retained ones. Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) retained only three players ahead of the mega auction as they decided to keep Virat Kohli, Glenn Maxwell and Mohammed Siraj while letting go of the likes of Yuzvendra Chahal, Devdutt Padikkal and Harshal Patel among others. It came as a surprise to many when RCB did not retain Harshal, who was the leading wicket-taker in IPL 2021. The Indian pacer had set the season on fire with his heroics with the ball as he played an instrumental role in helping RCB reach the playoffs. Harshal delivered consistently with the ball and picked up 32 wickets for RCB in just 15 matches to finish as the highest wicket-taker of the season. However, he was surprisingly released by RCB. The fast bowler recently opened up on the snub and himself answered the big question - why he was released by RCB despite his heroics in IPL 2021. Harshal revealed he got a call from RCB's Director of Cricket Mike Hesson, who told him he was not picked due to purse management. “When I was not retained, Mike Hesson (RCB’s Director of Cricket) called me and said, that it was mainly purse management,” Harshal was quoted as saying by Crictracker. Also Read: Pakistan pacer thanks legend MS Dhoni for special gesture after receiving his iconic no.7 jersey The Indian pacer is keen to play for RCB against and rejoin the side if given a chance. He revealed he has not recieved any approaches from any franchise yet about joining them ahead of the mega auction and would love to make a comeback to RCB for IPL 2022. “They would obviously love to have me back in the team and I too would obviously would love to go back and play for the team because RCB and this season (2021) changed my entire career and my entire life. However, in terms of auction, I haven’t heard from any franchises yet,” Harshal added. Harshal is likely to fetch a decent amount at the IPL 2022 mega auction as he will be in demanamong several franchises after his brilliant run in IPL 2021.

'Mike Hesson called me': IPL 2021's highest wicket-taker Harshal Patel reveals why RCB did not retain him

<p>The mega auction for the next edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) is keenly awaited. After the eight existing franchises shared their list of retained players on November 30, the two new IPL teams in the form of Lucknow and Ahmedabad will get a chance to pick three players each -- among the non-retained list of players -- before the action moves to the mega auction. As per latest reports, the IPL 2022 mega auction is set to be held in the garden city, i.e. Bengaluru on February 7 and 8.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Unless the COVID-19 situation worsens, we will have the IPL mega auction in India. The two-day event will be held on February 7 and 8 and like other years, we plan to hold it in Bengaluru. Preparations are underway," a senior BCCI official told the news agency PTI.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2022-mega-auction-likely-dates-revealed-set-to-be-a-two-day-affair-438406"><strong>IPL 2022 mega auction likely dates revealed, set to be a two-day affair</strong></a></p>

<p>This time around, several top players are set to go under the hammer as the eight existing IPL franchises will look to revamp whereas the two new teams will build their respective line-ups after wisely choosing three players each prior to the mega auction. The likes of KL Rahul, Rashid Khan, Shikhar Dhawan, Suresh Raina, David Warner, Mohammed Shami, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Jonny Bairstow, Faf du Plessis, Dwayne Bravo, Sam Curran, Pandya brothers and many others have not been retained. Hence, all eyes will be on them before as well as during the auction.&nbsp;</p>

<p>For the unversed, the auction was supposed to be held in early January, 2022. However, it has been delayed due to lack of clarity regarding the Ahmedabad franchise's future ever since the Sourav Ganguly-led BCCI initiated an inquiry on CVC Capital Partners' association with betting firms. On the other hand, the RP Sanjiv Goenka Group-owned Lucknow franchise are on a signing spree at the moment. They have already signed Andy Flower as the head coach, Gautam Gambhir as the team mentor and named Vijay Dahiya as the assistant coach recently.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/not-virat-kohli-shadab-khan-names-star-indian-opener-and-david-warner-as-toughest-batter-to-bowl-at-439078"><strong>Not Virat Kohli! Shadab Khan names star Indian opener and David Warner as 'toughest batter to bowl' at</strong></a></p>

<p>With plenty of action in the shortest format in the run-up to the mega auction, in form of BBL, Syed Mushtaq Ali Tournament, etc., there will be several&nbsp;options for all the ten IPL teams in the star-studded event which is likely to be held in Bengaluru.</p>


The mega auction for the next edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) is keenly awaited. After the eight existing franchises shared their list of retained players on November 30, the two new IPL teams in the form of Lucknow and Ahmedabad will get a chance to pick three players each -- among the non-retained list of players -- before the action moves to the mega auction.

The mega auction for the next edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) is keenly awaited. After the eight existing franchises shared their list of retained players on November 30, the two new IPL teams in the form of Lucknow and Ahmedabad will get a chance to pick three players each -- among the non-retained list of players -- before the action moves to the mega auction. As per latest reports, the IPL 2022 mega auction is set to be held in the garden city, i.e. Bengaluru on February 7 and 8. "Unless the COVID-19 situation worsens, we will have the IPL mega auction in India. The two-day event will be held on February 7 and 8 and like other years, we plan to hold it in Bengaluru. Preparations are underway," a senior BCCI official told the news agency PTI. ALSO READ | IPL 2022 mega auction likely dates revealed, set to be a two-day affair This time around, several top players are set to go under the hammer as the eight existing IPL franchises will look to revamp whereas the two new teams will build their respective line-ups after wisely choosing three players each prior to the mega auction. The likes of KL Rahul, Rashid Khan, Shikhar Dhawan, Suresh Raina, David Warner, Mohammed Shami, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Jonny Bairstow, Faf du Plessis, Dwayne Bravo, Sam Curran, Pandya brothers and many others have not been retained. Hence, all eyes will be on them before as well as during the auction. For the unversed, the auction was supposed to be held in early January, 2022. However, it has been delayed due to lack of clarity regarding the Ahmedabad franchise's future ever since the Sourav Ganguly-led BCCI initiated an inquiry on CVC Capital Partners' association with betting firms. On the other hand, the RP Sanjiv Goenka Group-owned Lucknow franchise are on a signing spree at the moment. They have already signed Andy Flower as the head coach, Gautam Gambhir as the team mentor and named Vijay Dahiya as the assistant coach recently. ALSO READ | Not Virat Kohli! Shadab Khan names star Indian opener and David Warner as 'toughest batter to bowl' at With plenty of action in the shortest format in the run-up to the mega auction, in form of BBL, Syed Mushtaq Ali Tournament, etc., there will be several options for all the ten IPL teams in the star-studded event which is likely to be held in Bengaluru.

Countdown begins! IPL 2022 mega auction likely to be held on Feb 7 and 8 in Bengaluru: Report

<p>The IPL 2021 edition was a hit. It became the first-ever season to be held in two halves after the first leg got interrupted due to the second wave of the Covid-19 virus in India. UAE came forward to host the second and final leg, which saw the MS Dhoni-led Chennai Super Kings (CSK) beat Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the finale, by 27 runs, to clinch their fourth title.</p>

<p>The Dhoni-led Yellow Army had a tough time in IPL 2020. Being without some of their key players, CSK lost the plot in the initial stages to be reeling behind and didn't qualify for the playoffs for the first-time in the tournament-history. However, Dhoni &amp; Co. recovered in style and played some attractive cricket to lift their fourth IPL championship this year.</p>

<p>CSK have now also gone onto break more records and achieve a new feat as they toppled Virat Kohli-starrer Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) to become the most tweeted about IPL team on Twitter in the calendar year (as per Twitter India).</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/virat-kohlis-post-for-ms-dhoni-during-ipl-14-adjudged-most-liked-and-retweeted-tweet-for-sports-in-2021-436631"><strong>Virat Kohli's post for MS Dhoni during IPL 14 adjudged most liked and retweeted tweet for sports in 2021</strong></a></p>

<p>CSK's official Twitter handle (@ChennaiIPL) was the most tweeted account of an IPL team on the microblogging site this year, followed by the likes of RCB&nbsp;(@rcbtweets), MI (@mipaltan) and RR (@rajasthanroyals).&nbsp;</p>

<p>In addition, Twitter India revealed that the Yellow Army's iconic hashtags #WhistlePodu and #Yellove were the most Tweeted catchphrases in sports this year. Not only this, the CSK captain and veteran wicketkeeper Dhoni attained the second spot after RCB's former captain Kohli in the list of most tweeted about Indian athletes on the social media platform in 2021.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/most-searched-topic-in-india-in-2021-ipl-atop-3-other-sporting-events-in-top-5-in-googles-year-end-list-435481"><strong>Most-searched topic in India in 2021: IPL atop, 3 other sporting events in top-5 in Google's year-end list</strong></a></p>

<p>Talking about IPL 2022, the upcoming edition will see two more teams -- in the form of Lucknow and Ahmedabad -- join the eight existing franchises. Prior to the season, a mega auction is set to be held early next year (in January).&nbsp;</p>


The IPL 2021 edition was a hit. It became the first-ever season to be held in two halves after the first leg got interrupted due to the second wave of the Covid-19 virus in India.

The IPL 2021 edition was a hit. It became the first-ever season to be held in two halves after the first leg got interrupted due to the second wave of the Covid-19 virus in India. UAE came forward to host the second and final leg, which saw the MS Dhoni-led Chennai Super Kings (CSK) beat Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the finale, by 27 runs, to clinch their fourth title. The Dhoni-led Yellow Army had a tough time in IPL 2020. Being without some of their key players, CSK lost the plot in the initial stages to be reeling behind and didn't qualify for the playoffs for the first-time in the tournament-history. However, Dhoni & Co. recovered in style and played some attractive cricket to lift their fourth IPL championship this year. CSK have now also gone onto break more records and achieve a new feat as they toppled Virat Kohli-starrer Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) to become the most tweeted about IPL team on Twitter in the calendar year (as per Twitter India). ALSO READ | Virat Kohli's post for MS Dhoni during IPL 14 adjudged most liked and retweeted tweet for sports in 2021 CSK's official Twitter handle (@ChennaiIPL) was the most tweeted account of an IPL team on the microblogging site this year, followed by the likes of RCB (@rcbtweets), MI (@mipaltan) and RR (@rajasthanroyals). In addition, Twitter India revealed that the Yellow Army's iconic hashtags #WhistlePodu and #Yellove were the most Tweeted catchphrases in sports this year. Not only this, the CSK captain and veteran wicketkeeper Dhoni attained the second spot after RCB's former captain Kohli in the list of most tweeted about Indian athletes on the social media platform in 2021. ALSO READ | Most-searched topic in India in 2021: IPL atop, 3 other sporting events in top-5 in Google's year-end list Talking about IPL 2022, the upcoming edition will see two more teams -- in the form of Lucknow and Ahmedabad -- join the eight existing franchises. Prior to the season, a mega auction is set to be held early next year (in January).

MS Dhoni-led CSK topple Kohli's RCB as four-time winners adjudged most tweeted about IPL team in 2021

<p>Indian pacer Harshal Patel, who emerged as a star player during the Indian Premier League 2021 with 32 wickets, revealed how a small tip from former Indian pacer Zaheer Khan&nbsp;helped his bowling technique. Owing to his terrific performance in this year's IPL, Patel got a chance to make his T20I debut for India during the home series against New Zealand that India won 3-0.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Harshal was part of the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in IPL 2021 and emerged as a vital cog for the team. He ended the season with the most wickets, winning the purple cap and also won the MVP award of the tournament.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/bcci-confirms-india-tour-of-south-africa-to-go-ahead-without-t20s-with-revised-dates-and-itinerary-434208">BCCI confirms India tour of South Africa to go ahead without T20s, with revised dates and itinerary</a></strong></p>

<p>He continued the momentum during his international debut as he won the Player of the Match award when he made his T20I debut against the New Zealand team. The seamer&nbsp;has been impressing the spectators and critics with his bowling skills, now he reveals how interaction with veteran pacer Zaheer Khan helped him.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"When I was with DC and we were playing MI, I got a chance to speak with Zaheer bhai. I have this massive problem of my deliveries drifting down the leg stump, and I spoke to him about it. He spotted an issue with my release angle. With my angle, if I pitch the ball on the off-stump, it will automatically drift to the leg stump," Harshal Patel told The Indian Express.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/indvsnz-2nd-test-aakash-chopra-praises-indian-pacer-says-he-did-not-allow-us-to-miss-anyone-434218">INDvsNZ, 2nd Test: Aakash Chopra praises Indian pacer says, 'He did not allow us to miss anyone'</a></strong></p>

<p>He added, "The release angle should target the sixth or seventh stump line and then the ball will hit the off stump, he advised me. A small tip made a massive difference in my consistency and changed me as a bowler."&nbsp;</p>


Indian pacer Harshal Patel, who emerged as a star player during the Indian Premier League 2021 with 32 wickets, revealed how a small tip from former Indian pacer Zaheer Khan helped his bowling technique.

Indian pacer Harshal Patel, who emerged as a star player during the Indian Premier League 2021 with 32 wickets, revealed how a small tip from former Indian pacer Zaheer Khan helped his bowling technique. Owing to his terrific performance in this year's IPL, Patel got a chance to make his T20I debut for India during the home series against New Zealand that India won 3-0. Harshal was part of the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in IPL 2021 and emerged as a vital cog for the team. He ended the season with the most wickets, winning the purple cap and also won the MVP award of the tournament. ALSO READ | BCCI confirms India tour of South Africa to go ahead without T20s, with revised dates and itinerary He continued the momentum during his international debut as he won the Player of the Match award when he made his T20I debut against the New Zealand team. The seamer has been impressing the spectators and critics with his bowling skills, now he reveals how interaction with veteran pacer Zaheer Khan helped him. "When I was with DC and we were playing MI, I got a chance to speak with Zaheer bhai. I have this massive problem of my deliveries drifting down the leg stump, and I spoke to him about it. He spotted an issue with my release angle. With my angle, if I pitch the ball on the off-stump, it will automatically drift to the leg stump," Harshal Patel told The Indian Express. ALSO READ | INDvsNZ, 2nd Test: Aakash Chopra praises Indian pacer says, 'He did not allow us to miss anyone' He added, "The release angle should target the sixth or seventh stump line and then the ball will hit the off stump, he advised me. A small tip made a massive difference in my consistency and changed me as a bowler."

'He spotted an issue': Harshal Patel reveals how former pacer Zaheer Khan helped him to improve bowling skill

<p>Former skipper of the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) Virat Kohli hailed the "special bond" with the "amazing" team after the franchise announced that 'King Kohli' has been retained ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2022 mega auction. RCB have also retained Australian all-rounder Glenn Maxwell, along with fast bowler Mohammed Siraj.</p>

<p>Kohli, who has been with the team since inception, is retained for INR 150 million and Maxwell, who was signed by the team last season, was retained for INR 110 million. The franchise has invested a sum of INR 70 million to keep pacer Siraj, who has been with the team since 2018.&nbsp;</p>

<p>After the names were released, Kohli said that he did not have any second thoughts about staying with RCB. In a recorded video uploaded on the official Twitter handle of the Bengaluru-based team, Kohli said, "The journey continues, I have been retained by RCB. When I was contacted, did not have any second thoughts at all."&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/hell-be-the-likely-heir-not-kl-rahul-former-rcb-skipper-picks-virat-kohlis-successor-at-bengaluru-433272">He'll be the likely heir: Not KL Rahul! Former RCB skipper picks Virat Kohli's successor at Bengaluru</a></strong></p>

<p>"It has been an amazing journey over the years, three more years with the franchise that means so much to me. I believe the best is yet to come and I have a special feeling about what is to come next season onwards," Kohli added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Our fan base is amazing, management has been amazing with me and all other players. Renewed energy and a different version of me on the field. But I will be there with my heart and soul for RCB," he added.<br />
&nbsp;&nbsp;<br />
Kohli had announced that he will step down as captain of RCB after the IPL 2021. In a video message, Kohli said, "I felt I needed this space to refresh, to regroup and be absolutely clear in how I want to move forward. And also understanding that RCB is going through a transitional phase with the big auction coming next year."&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch the video here:</strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">“The amazing journey at RCB continues. 3 more years with this franchise that means so much to me. I believe the best is yet to come.” - <a href="https://twitter.com/imVkohli?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@imVkohli</a><br />
<br />
We and the RCB fans love you too, King Kohli. ❤️<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PlayBold?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PlayBold</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WeAreChallengers?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WeAreChallengers</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IPLRetention?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IPLRetention</a> <a href="https://t.co/63rkMcPcCO">pic.twitter.com/63rkMcPcCO</a></p>
— Royal Challengers Bangalore (@RCBTweets) <a href="https://twitter.com/RCBTweets/status/1465870769448226818?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 1, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


Former skipper of the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) Virat Kohli hailed the "special bond" with the "amazing" team after the franchise announced that 'King Kohli' has been retained ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2022 mega auction.

Former skipper of the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) Virat Kohli hailed the "special bond" with the "amazing" team after the franchise announced that 'King Kohli' has been retained ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2022 mega auction. RCB have also retained Australian all-rounder Glenn Maxwell, along with fast bowler Mohammed Siraj. Kohli, who has been with the team since inception, is retained for INR 150 million and Maxwell, who was signed by the team last season, was retained for INR 110 million. The franchise has invested a sum of INR 70 million to keep pacer Siraj, who has been with the team since 2018. After the names were released, Kohli said that he did not have any second thoughts about staying with RCB. In a recorded video uploaded on the official Twitter handle of the Bengaluru-based team, Kohli said, "The journey continues, I have been retained by RCB. When I was contacted, did not have any second thoughts at all." ALSO READ | He'll be the likely heir: Not KL Rahul! Former RCB skipper picks Virat Kohli's successor at Bengaluru "It has been an amazing journey over the years, three more years with the franchise that means so much to me. I believe the best is yet to come and I have a special feeling about what is to come next season onwards," Kohli added. "Our fan base is amazing, management has been amazing with me and all other players. Renewed energy and a different version of me on the field. But I will be there with my heart and soul for RCB," he added. Kohli had announced that he will step down as captain of RCB after the IPL 2021. In a video message, Kohli said, "I felt I needed this space to refresh, to regroup and be absolutely clear in how I want to move forward. And also understanding that RCB is going through a transitional phase with the big auction coming next year." Watch the video here: “The amazing journey at RCB continues. 3 more years with this franchise that means so much to me. I believe the best is yet to come.” - @imVkohli We and the RCB fans love you too, King Kohli. ❤️#PlayBold #WeAreChallengers #IPLRetention pic.twitter.com/63rkMcPcCO — Royal Challengers Bangalore (@RCBTweets) December 1, 2021 ×

'The best is yet to come': Virat Kohli reacts after RCB released names of retained players - Watch

<p>All the eight existing IPL franchises released their retention list on Tuesday evening (November 30). The three-time runners-up Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) retained the likes of former skipper Virat Kohli, Glenn Maxwell and speedster Mohammed Siraj.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Hence, some popular names such as Yuzvendra Chahal, Devdutt Padikkal, Harshal Patel, etc. weren't retained. Nonetheless, the Bengaluru franchise will now look to rebuild and form a new-look RCB line-up in the upcoming IPL 2022 mega auction. Apart from bringing in some new faces, RCB will also have to name Kohli's successor.</p>

<p>Kohli, the leading run-getter in IPL history (6,283) runs, stepped down as RCB captain following the end of IPL 2021. He had already announced that the IPL 14's UAE leg will be his last as the franchise's skipper. Thus, the team management will have to name his successor sooner than later.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/chapter-closed-david-warner-shares-heartfelt-post-for-srh-fans-after-being-released-ahead-of-mega-auction-433254">'Chapter closed!' - David Warner shares heartfelt post for SRH fans after being released ahead of mega auction</a></strong></p>

<p>Speaking to&nbsp;<em>ESPNcricinfo</em>&nbsp;about RCB's decision to retain three key campaigners on the retention day, ex-Bangalore skipper Daniel Vettori suggested that Glenn Maxwell can be Kohli's successor. "Look, I think Maxwell will be the likely heir to Kohli. He obviously produced [results] in this last year and he was an exceptional player for them. He has the experience of captaining the Melbourne Stars. We talked about most teams wanting to find a captain in their retained players. It has happened too often that teams know they've got a captain, they know they can lock that away and they don't have to find one in the auction which can cloud your thinking at times," Vettori said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I do believe Maxwell will be named captain. It could be [for] just one season, to see how it goes but it's a pretty good stop-gap measure as they build to the future," Vettori added.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-retention-ms-dhoni-virat-kohli-win-hearts-as-superstar-duo-take-paycuts-ahead-of-mega-auction-433185"><strong>IPL retention: MS Dhoni, Virat Kohli win hearts as superstar duo take paycuts ahead of mega auction</strong></a></p>

<p>Speaking about Kohli's stint as RCB captain, he led the side to the playoffs in 2015, 2020 and 2021 and to their third final during the 2016 season. It will be interesting to see if Maxwell is given the top job or whether the Bengaluru team management will rope in someone from the auction to be Kohli's successor.</p>


All the eight existing IPL franchises released their retention list on Tuesday evening (November 30). The three-time runners-up Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) retained the likes of former skipper Virat Kohli, Glenn Maxwell and speedster Mohammed Siraj.

All the eight existing IPL franchises released their retention list on Tuesday evening (November 30). The three-time runners-up Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) retained the likes of former skipper Virat Kohli, Glenn Maxwell and speedster Mohammed Siraj. Hence, some popular names such as Yuzvendra Chahal, Devdutt Padikkal, Harshal Patel, etc. weren't retained. Nonetheless, the Bengaluru franchise will now look to rebuild and form a new-look RCB line-up in the upcoming IPL 2022 mega auction. Apart from bringing in some new faces, RCB will also have to name Kohli's successor. Kohli, the leading run-getter in IPL history (6,283) runs, stepped down as RCB captain following the end of IPL 2021. He had already announced that the IPL 14's UAE leg will be his last as the franchise's skipper. Thus, the team management will have to name his successor sooner than later. ALSO READ | 'Chapter closed!' - David Warner shares heartfelt post for SRH fans after being released ahead of mega auction Speaking to ESPNcricinfo about RCB's decision to retain three key campaigners on the retention day, ex-Bangalore skipper Daniel Vettori suggested that Glenn Maxwell can be Kohli's successor. "Look, I think Maxwell will be the likely heir to Kohli. He obviously produced [results] in this last year and he was an exceptional player for them. He has the experience of captaining the Melbourne Stars. We talked about most teams wanting to find a captain in their retained players. It has happened too often that teams know they've got a captain, they know they can lock that away and they don't have to find one in the auction which can cloud your thinking at times," Vettori said. "I do believe Maxwell will be named captain. It could be [for] just one season, to see how it goes but it's a pretty good stop-gap measure as they build to the future," Vettori added. ALSO READ | IPL retention: MS Dhoni, Virat Kohli win hearts as superstar duo take paycuts ahead of mega auction Speaking about Kohli's stint as RCB captain, he led the side to the playoffs in 2015, 2020 and 2021 and to their third final during the 2016 season. It will be interesting to see if Maxwell is given the top job or whether the Bengaluru team management will rope in someone from the auction to be Kohli's successor.

He'll be the likely heir: Not KL Rahul! Former RCB skipper picks Virat Kohli's successor at Bengaluru

<p>Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) will be among the host of franchises looking to rope in a captaincy candidate in the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) mega auction ahead of the 2022 season. With Virat Kohli stepping down as captain and AB de Villiers retiring from all forms of cricket, RCB will be on the lookout for a new captain in the mega auction along with several other teams like Punjab Kings, Lucknow, Ahmedabad and others.</p>

<p>While Kohli will not be captaining the side anymore, he will continue to remain at RCB as a player and is likely to be the franchise's first-choice retention ahead of the mega auction. As per reports, RCB's second-choice retention is Australian all-rounder Glenn Maxwell, who was bought for a whopping Rs 14.25 crore in the player auction ahead of IPL 2022.</p>

<p>With RCB likely to retain Maxwell, he is said to be one of the strong contenders to replace Kohli as the new captain of the franchise. However, former India pacer Irfan Pathan believes Maxwell should not be asked to take over captaincy as he is a free-lowing cricketer, who likes to play without any burden.</p>

<p>Maxwell, who has led Punjab Kings in the past, is a veteran when it comes to T20 cricket and has a plethora of experience behind him. However, Pathan believes RCB should look for a captaincy contender in the auction and let Maxwell go about his business with the bat freely.</p>

<p>“I think someone from the auction. Because whatever the 4 players are in my head, Virat is obviously not going to captain he has announced that, Glenn Maxwell is there, but you do not want to give him the captaincy because he is kind of a free-flowing cricketer and you do not want to give him that kind of responsibility. You want him to play freely,” he said.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/from-kl-rahul-to-hardik-pandya-top-5-indian-players-who-might-not-be-retained-by-their-ipl-franchises-432611">From KL Rahul to Hardik Pandya: Top 5 Indian players who might not be retained by their IPL franchises</a></p>

<p>Kohli, who has been with RCB since the inaugural edition of the IPL in 2008 was appointed as the full-time captain of the side in 2013. He led RCB to the final in IPL 2016 and back-to-back playoffs in IPL 2020 and 2021, however, Kohli failed to inspire the side to their maiden title triumph. RCB are yet to win their first IPL title despite being the part of the league since 2008.<br />
&nbsp;</p>


Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) will be among the host of franchises looking to rope in a captaincy candidate in the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) mega auction ahead of the 2022 season.

Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) will be among the host of franchises looking to rope in a captaincy candidate in the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) mega auction ahead of the 2022 season. With Virat Kohli stepping down as captain and AB de Villiers retiring from all forms of cricket, RCB will be on the lookout for a new captain in the mega auction along with several other teams like Punjab Kings, Lucknow, Ahmedabad and others. While Kohli will not be captaining the side anymore, he will continue to remain at RCB as a player and is likely to be the franchise's first-choice retention ahead of the mega auction. As per reports, RCB's second-choice retention is Australian all-rounder Glenn Maxwell, who was bought for a whopping Rs 14.25 crore in the player auction ahead of IPL 2022. With RCB likely to retain Maxwell, he is said to be one of the strong contenders to replace Kohli as the new captain of the franchise. However, former India pacer Irfan Pathan believes Maxwell should not be asked to take over captaincy as he is a free-lowing cricketer, who likes to play without any burden. Maxwell, who has led Punjab Kings in the past, is a veteran when it comes to T20 cricket and has a plethora of experience behind him. However, Pathan believes RCB should look for a captaincy contender in the auction and let Maxwell go about his business with the bat freely. “I think someone from the auction. Because whatever the 4 players are in my head, Virat is obviously not going to captain he has announced that, Glenn Maxwell is there, but you do not want to give him the captaincy because he is kind of a free-flowing cricketer and you do not want to give him that kind of responsibility. You want him to play freely,” he said. Also Read: From KL Rahul to Hardik Pandya: Top 5 Indian players who might not be retained by their IPL franchises Kohli, who has been with RCB since the inaugural edition of the IPL in 2008 was appointed as the full-time captain of the side in 2013. He led RCB to the final in IPL 2016 and back-to-back playoffs in IPL 2020 and 2021, however, Kohli failed to inspire the side to their maiden title triumph. RCB are yet to win their first IPL title despite being the part of the league since 2008.

Should Glenn Maxwell replace Virat Kohli as RCB captain? Former India pacer gives his take

<p>Former India cricketer Aakash Chopra has picked our players who he feels Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) should retain ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) mega auction for the 2022 season. Each team can retain a maximum of only four players with no Right To Match (RTM) option this time around during the mega auction.</p>

<p>RCB superstar AB de Villiers confirmed his retirement from all forms of cricket last week and the franchise is set to be without his services for the first time since the 2011 season. With De Villiers no more in the fray, it remains to be seen how RCB will plan their retentions and who will they form their core around heading into the mega auction.</p>

<p>With Kohli having stepped down as captain, RCB will also be on the lookout for a potential captaincy candidate in the mega auction. Chopra has named four players who he thinks RCB should retain with Kohli on top of the list along with experienced spinner Yuzvendra Chahal. The cricketer turned commentator said if he had to use the complete quota of four retentions then he will also keep Mohammed Siraj and Devdutt Padikkal.</p>

<p>"Virat Kohli and Yuzi Chahal will be my first two choices. If I have two more in my hand, I will try for Mohammed Siraj and Devdutt Paddikal. These will be my four. I will think about these four for sure. In fact, I can think about Harshal as well - Siraj/Harshal," said Chopra.</p>

<p>Chopra snubbed Glenn Maxwell from his list explaining that he would not want to retain him as he is not hundred per cent sure that Maxwell will continue to perform the way he did for RCB in IPL 2021. Maxwell was roped in by RCB in the player auction last year for a whopping Rs 14.25 crore (INR 140 million).</p>

<p>"You might be thinking about Glenn Maxwell, that why am I not wanting to retain him. It is because I don't have hundred per cent confidence. He is doing very well but I don't know if he will continue doing that. So, I don't want to take that chance," said Chopra.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/team-indias-dietary-plan-with-halal-meat-and-no-beef-pork-only-for-kanpur-test-vs-new-zealand-report-431377">Team India's dietary plan with halal meat and no beef, pork only for Kanpur Test vs NZ&nbsp;- Report</a></p>

<p>"We can get more overseas players in the market space if we want, you don't get Indians. I look at Indians most of the times when it comes to retentions," he added.</p>

<p>Chopra further went on to add that it can be a toss-up between Siraj and Harshal when it comes to RCB's pace-bowling retention. While Siraj has developed into a consistent performer for RCB over the last couple of seasons, Harshal had a terrific IPL 2021 where he picked up 32 wickets to bag the Purple Cap and has also made it to the Indian T20I side.</p>

<p>"It might be a toss-up between Harshal Patel and Mohammed Siraj. You can look at Siraj with a slightly more long-term vision. Harshal, the way he is developing, the last 12 months have been extremely good, so maybe Harshal Patel. But then you are looking at three seasons, not just one or two," said Chopra.</p>


Former India cricketer Aakash Chopra has picked our players who he feels Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) should retain ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) mega auction for the 2022 season.

Former India cricketer Aakash Chopra has picked our players who he feels Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) should retain ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) mega auction for the 2022 season. Each team can retain a maximum of only four players with no Right To Match (RTM) option this time around during the mega auction. RCB superstar AB de Villiers confirmed his retirement from all forms of cricket last week and the franchise is set to be without his services for the first time since the 2011 season. With De Villiers no more in the fray, it remains to be seen how RCB will plan their retentions and who will they form their core around heading into the mega auction. With Kohli having stepped down as captain, RCB will also be on the lookout for a potential captaincy candidate in the mega auction. Chopra has named four players who he thinks RCB should retain with Kohli on top of the list along with experienced spinner Yuzvendra Chahal. The cricketer turned commentator said if he had to use the complete quota of four retentions then he will also keep Mohammed Siraj and Devdutt Padikkal. "Virat Kohli and Yuzi Chahal will be my first two choices. If I have two more in my hand, I will try for Mohammed Siraj and Devdutt Paddikal. These will be my four. I will think about these four for sure. In fact, I can think about Harshal as well - Siraj/Harshal," said Chopra. Chopra snubbed Glenn Maxwell from his list explaining that he would not want to retain him as he is not hundred per cent sure that Maxwell will continue to perform the way he did for RCB in IPL 2021. Maxwell was roped in by RCB in the player auction last year for a whopping Rs 14.25 crore (INR 140 million). "You might be thinking about Glenn Maxwell, that why am I not wanting to retain him. It is because I don't have hundred per cent confidence. He is doing very well but I don't know if he will continue doing that. So, I don't want to take that chance," said Chopra. Also Read: Team India's dietary plan with halal meat and no beef, pork only for Kanpur Test vs NZ - Report "We can get more overseas players in the market space if we want, you don't get Indians. I look at Indians most of the times when it comes to retentions," he added. Chopra further went on to add that it can be a toss-up between Siraj and Harshal when it comes to RCB's pace-bowling retention. While Siraj has developed into a consistent performer for RCB over the last couple of seasons, Harshal had a terrific IPL 2021 where he picked up 32 wickets to bag the Purple Cap and has also made it to the Indian T20I side. "It might be a toss-up between Harshal Patel and Mohammed Siraj. You can look at Siraj with a slightly more long-term vision. Harshal, the way he is developing, the last 12 months have been extremely good, so maybe Harshal Patel. But then you are looking at three seasons, not just one or two," said Chopra.

No Glenn Maxwell! Aakash Chopra picks 4 players RCB should retain ahead of IPL mega auction

AB de Villiers retires: Reliving five best knocks of Mr. 360 in Indian Premier League

<p>South Africa legend AB de Villiers announced his retirement from all forms of cricket on Friday (November 19), bringing an end to his stint with Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in the Indian Premier League (IPL). De Villiers had retired from international cricket in 2018 but continued to ply his trade in franchise cricket around the globe.</p>

<p>He remained a vital cog of the RCB batting line-up in the IPL and was part of the squad for the 2021 season which concluded in October this year. After hanging up his boots from all cricket, De Villiers revealed he had been contemplating the decision for quite a while now and that it was time for him to prioritise his family.</p>

<p>"All the years of playing cricket, there's been a lot of mixed emotions and things have happened very quickly in the last month or so, and it's been on my mind for quite a bit. I finally just made the decision that it's time for me to really truthfully prioritize family time and to be the best version of myself as much as I can," De Villiers said in a video shared by RCB on social media.</p>

<p>The Proteas superstar, who was famously known as Mr. 360 for his ability to play shots across the ground, also sent a special message to RCB fans and said he was proud to have become half Indian now. De Villiers was one of the most loved overseas cricketers in the IPL and enjoys a massive fan base in India.</p>

<p>“I’m going to be an RCBian for life. Every single person in the RCB set-up has become family to me. People come &amp; go, but the spirit &amp; the love we have for each other at RCB will always remain. I’ve become half Indian now &amp; I’m proud of that,” said De Villiers.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">“I’m going to be an RCBian for life. Every single person in the RCB set-up has become family to me. People come &amp; go, but the spirit &amp; the love we have for each other at RCB will always remain. I’ve become half Indian now &amp; I’m proud of that.” - <a href="https://twitter.com/ABdeVilliers17?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ABdeVilliers17</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ThankYouAB?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ThankYouAB</a> <a href="https://t.co/5b6RUYfjDY">pic.twitter.com/5b6RUYfjDY</a></p>
— Royal Challengers Bangalore (@RCBTweets) <a href="https://twitter.com/RCBTweets/status/1461596281416007686?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 19, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/virat-kohli-pens-emotional-note-as-ab-de-villiers-retires-hurts-my-heart-but-youve-made-the-best-decision-430449">Kohli pens emotional note as De Villiers retires: Hurts my heart but you've made the best decision</a></p>

<p>De Villiers had joined Royal Challengers Bangalore from Delhi Capitals in 2011 and spent over a decade at the franchise. He is RCB's second-highest run-getter behind Virat Kohli with 4522 runs in 157 matches at an average of over 41 and is regarded as one of the best batters in the history of the competition.</p>

<p>Overall, De Villiers played 184 matches in the IPL, amassing 5162 runs at an average of 39.70 with the help of three centuries and 40 half-centuries. The Proteas star batted at a stunning strike rate of 151.68 and wowed the fans with his batting exploits in the tournament.</p>


South Africa legend AB de Villiers announced his retirement from all forms of cricket on Friday (November 19), bringing an end to his stint with Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in the Indian Premier League (IPL).

South Africa legend AB de Villiers announced his retirement from all forms of cricket on Friday (November 19), bringing an end to his stint with Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in the Indian Premier League (IPL). De Villiers had retired from international cricket in 2018 but continued to ply his trade in franchise cricket around the globe. He remained a vital cog of the RCB batting line-up in the IPL and was part of the squad for the 2021 season which concluded in October this year. After hanging up his boots from all cricket, De Villiers revealed he had been contemplating the decision for quite a while now and that it was time for him to prioritise his family. "All the years of playing cricket, there's been a lot of mixed emotions and things have happened very quickly in the last month or so, and it's been on my mind for quite a bit. I finally just made the decision that it's time for me to really truthfully prioritize family time and to be the best version of myself as much as I can," De Villiers said in a video shared by RCB on social media. The Proteas superstar, who was famously known as Mr. 360 for his ability to play shots across the ground, also sent a special message to RCB fans and said he was proud to have become half Indian now. De Villiers was one of the most loved overseas cricketers in the IPL and enjoys a massive fan base in India. “I’m going to be an RCBian for life. Every single person in the RCB set-up has become family to me. People come & go, but the spirit & the love we have for each other at RCB will always remain. I’ve become half Indian now & I’m proud of that,” said De Villiers. “I’m going to be an RCBian for life. Every single person in the RCB set-up has become family to me. People come & go, but the spirit & the love we have for each other at RCB will always remain. I’ve become half Indian now & I’m proud of that.” - @ABdeVilliers17 #ThankYouAB pic.twitter.com/5b6RUYfjDY — Royal Challengers Bangalore (@RCBTweets) November 19, 2021 × Also Read: Kohli pens emotional note as De Villiers retires: Hurts my heart but you've made the best decision De Villiers had joined Royal Challengers Bangalore from Delhi Capitals in 2011 and spent over a decade at the franchise. He is RCB's second-highest run-getter behind Virat Kohli with 4522 runs in 157 matches at an average of over 41 and is regarded as one of the best batters in the history of the competition. Overall, De Villiers played 184 matches in the IPL, amassing 5162 runs at an average of 39.70 with the help of three centuries and 40 half-centuries. The Proteas star batted at a stunning strike rate of 151.68 and wowed the fans with his batting exploits in the tournament.

I've become half Indian now and I am proud of that: AB de Villiers' shares special message for RCB fans

<p>South African legend AB de Villiers has announced his decision to retire from all forms of cricket. De Villiers had quit international cricket in May 2018, sending shockwaves around the cricket fraternity at the time, but had continued to ply his trade in the Indian Premier League (IPL) and other T20 competitions around the globe.</p>

<p>However, the legendary batter has now decided to part ways from all forms of cricket, effectively ending his stint in the IPL with Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB). A consistent performer&nbsp;over the years in the IPL, De Villiers signs off from the IPL as one of the greatest of all time.</p>

<p>"It has been an incredible journey, but I have decided to retire from all cricket. Ever since the back yard matches with my older brothers, I have played the game with pure enjoyment and unbridled enthusiasm. Now, at the age of 37, that flame no longer burns so brightly," De Villiers wrote in a tweet while announcing his decision.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">It has been an incredible journey, but I have decided to retire from all cricket.<br />
<br />
Ever since the back yard matches with my older brothers, I have played the game with pure enjoyment and unbridled enthusiasm. Now, at the age of 37, that flame no longer burns so brightly. <a href="https://t.co/W1Z41wFeli">pic.twitter.com/W1Z41wFeli</a></p>
— AB de Villiers (@ABdeVilliers17) <a href="https://twitter.com/ABdeVilliers17/status/1461590034193297409?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 19, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>De Villiers, who has played 114 Tests, 228 ODIs and 78 T20Is in his illustrious career, had announced his decision to quit international cricket in 2018 just months ahead of the start of the 2019 ODI World Cup. Though, he continued travelling around the world to take part in T20 competitions and remained a vital cog in the RCB line-up.</p>

<p>Earlier this year, De Villiers had expressed his desire to come out of retirement and don the Proteas jersey one last time to represent South Africa in the recently-concluded T20 World Cup 2021. However, his comeback didn't materialise but the 37-year-old did turn up for RCB in the second leg of IPL 2021 in the UAE.</p>

<p>De Villiers thanked his RCB teammates and support staff for their efforts and the extensive support throughout his playing days in India. He also thanked the teammates and members of staff of the other teams he turned up for in India and South Africa.</p>

<p>"I would like to thank every teammate, every opponent, every coach, every physio and every staff member who has travelled the same path, and I am humbled by the support I have received in South Africa, in India, wherever I have played," said De Villiers.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/explained-why-tim-paine-has-stepped-down-as-australias-test-captain-4-years-after-sexting-scandal-430424">Explained! Why Tim Paine has stepped down as Australia's Test captain 4 years after sexting scandal</a></p>

<p>De Villiers played for Delhi Capitals and RCB in the IPL. He had joined RCB in the 2011 season and represented the side for over ten years. The Proteas great played a total of 184 matches in IPL, amassing 5162 runs at an average of 39.70 with the help of 40 half-centuries. He signs off as&nbsp;the sixth-highest run-getter in the history of IPL.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


South African legend AB de Villiers has announced his decision to retire from all forms of cricket. De Villiers had quit international cricket in May 2018, sending shockwaves around the cricket fraternity at the time, but had continued to ply his trade in the Indian Premier League (IPL) and other T20 competitions around the globe.

South African legend AB de Villiers has announced his decision to retire from all forms of cricket. De Villiers had quit international cricket in May 2018, sending shockwaves around the cricket fraternity at the time, but had continued to ply his trade in the Indian Premier League (IPL) and other T20 competitions around the globe. However, the legendary batter has now decided to part ways from all forms of cricket, effectively ending his stint in the IPL with Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB). A consistent performer over the years in the IPL, De Villiers signs off from the IPL as one of the greatest of all time. "It has been an incredible journey, but I have decided to retire from all cricket. Ever since the back yard matches with my older brothers, I have played the game with pure enjoyment and unbridled enthusiasm. Now, at the age of 37, that flame no longer burns so brightly," De Villiers wrote in a tweet while announcing his decision. It has been an incredible journey, but I have decided to retire from all cricket. Ever since the back yard matches with my older brothers, I have played the game with pure enjoyment and unbridled enthusiasm. Now, at the age of 37, that flame no longer burns so brightly. pic.twitter.com/W1Z41wFeli — AB de Villiers (@ABdeVilliers17) November 19, 2021 × De Villiers, who has played 114 Tests, 228 ODIs and 78 T20Is in his illustrious career, had announced his decision to quit international cricket in 2018 just months ahead of the start of the 2019 ODI World Cup. Though, he continued travelling around the world to take part in T20 competitions and remained a vital cog in the RCB line-up. Earlier this year, De Villiers had expressed his desire to come out of retirement and don the Proteas jersey one last time to represent South Africa in the recently-concluded T20 World Cup 2021. However, his comeback didn't materialise but the 37-year-old did turn up for RCB in the second leg of IPL 2021 in the UAE. De Villiers thanked his RCB teammates and support staff for their efforts and the extensive support throughout his playing days in India. He also thanked the teammates and members of staff of the other teams he turned up for in India and South Africa. "I would like to thank every teammate, every opponent, every coach, every physio and every staff member who has travelled the same path, and I am humbled by the support I have received in South Africa, in India, wherever I have played," said De Villiers. Also Read: Explained! Why Tim Paine has stepped down as Australia's Test captain 4 years after sexting scandal De Villiers played for Delhi Capitals and RCB in the IPL. He had joined RCB in the 2011 season and represented the side for over ten years. The Proteas great played a total of 184 matches in IPL, amassing 5162 runs at an average of 39.70 with the help of 40 half-centuries. He signs off as the sixth-highest run-getter in the history of IPL.

AB de Villiers announces retirement from all forms of cricket, ends his stint with RCB in IPL

<p>David Warner had a torrid time in IPL 2021 edition. However, the swashbuckling left-hander has turned it out in the just-concluded T20 World Cup 2021 edition, returning as the top-scorer for eventual champions Aaron Finch-led Australia. As the Sunrisers Hyderabad's former captain Warner had already shared his intention to put his name in the auction pool for IPL 2022, former Aussie spin wizard Brad Hogg has predicted his next IPL franchise.</p>

<p>So far, Warner has represented the likes of Delhi Daredevils (DD) -- now known as Delhi Capitals (DC) -- and was part of the SRH camp from 2014-21 edition. Hogg believes Warner will be best suited to the Virat Kohli-starrer Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) franchise.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/revealed-how-much-money-champions-australia-took-home-after-winning-t20-world-cup-429527"><strong>Revealed! How much money champions Australia took home after winning T20 World Cup</strong></a></p>

<p>"I wouldn't be surprised if he ends up at RCB because that kind of wicket will suit him at Bangalore and they need a leader. The RCB might get him in because of his captaincy record as Kohli has relinquished his post," Hogg said on his YouTube channel.</p>

<p>As far as the chances of Warner heading back to SRH are concerned, Hogg doesn't see that happening. "I don't think Warner will play for SRH anymore. I think there is bit of a relationship problem between the franchise management and David Warner," the former chinaman bowler noted.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/unfair-decision-shoaib-akhtar-reacts-to-david-warner-getting-player-of-the-tournament-award-in-t20-wc-429483"><strong>'Unfair decision': Shoaib Akhtar reacts to David Warner getting Player of the Tournament award in T20 WC</strong></a></p>

<p>Speaking on 1170 SEN Breakfast with Vossy, Warner had recently told, "I will put my name in the auction. "By the signs of the recent IPL, I won’t be retained by the Sunrisers, so I’m looking forward to a fresh start."&nbsp;</p>

<p>It will be interesting to see which franchise will become Warner's next IPL team. If he enters the auction pool, the Aussie opener will surely be one of the most expensive buys given his overall stature in IPL. He has amassed 5,449 runs in 150 IPL games at 41.59 with 4 hundreds.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Given that Warner ended the T20 WC with 289 runs, second-highest overall, his stocks will definitely be on the higher side.</p>


David Warner had a torrid time in IPL 2021 edition. However, the swashbuckling left-hander has turned it out in the just-concluded T20 World Cup 2021 edition, returning as the top-scorer for eventual champions Aaron Finch-led Australia.

David Warner had a torrid time in IPL 2021 edition. However, the swashbuckling left-hander has turned it out in the just-concluded T20 World Cup 2021 edition, returning as the top-scorer for eventual champions Aaron Finch-led Australia. As the Sunrisers Hyderabad's former captain Warner had already shared his intention to put his name in the auction pool for IPL 2022, former Aussie spin wizard Brad Hogg has predicted his next IPL franchise. So far, Warner has represented the likes of Delhi Daredevils (DD) -- now known as Delhi Capitals (DC) -- and was part of the SRH camp from 2014-21 edition. Hogg believes Warner will be best suited to the Virat Kohli-starrer Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) franchise. ALSO READ | Revealed! How much money champions Australia took home after winning T20 World Cup "I wouldn't be surprised if he ends up at RCB because that kind of wicket will suit him at Bangalore and they need a leader. The RCB might get him in because of his captaincy record as Kohli has relinquished his post," Hogg said on his YouTube channel. As far as the chances of Warner heading back to SRH are concerned, Hogg doesn't see that happening. "I don't think Warner will play for SRH anymore. I think there is bit of a relationship problem between the franchise management and David Warner," the former chinaman bowler noted. ALSO READ | 'Unfair decision': Shoaib Akhtar reacts to David Warner getting Player of the Tournament award in T20 WC Speaking on 1170 SEN Breakfast with Vossy, Warner had recently told, "I will put my name in the auction. "By the signs of the recent IPL, I won’t be retained by the Sunrisers, so I’m looking forward to a fresh start." It will be interesting to see which franchise will become Warner's next IPL team. If he enters the auction pool, the Aussie opener will surely be one of the most expensive buys given his overall stature in IPL. He has amassed 5,449 runs in 150 IPL games at 41.59 with 4 hundreds. Given that Warner ended the T20 WC with 289 runs, second-highest overall, his stocks will definitely be on the higher side.

Former Aussie spin wizard predicts next IPL franchise for David Warner post his T20 WC blitz

<p>Indian Premier League (IPL) side Royal Challengers Bangalore on Tuesday announced the appointment of former India batting coach Sanjay Bangar as head coach of the franchise for the 2022 season of the lucrative league. Bangar will take over the reins from New Zealand`s Mike Hesson, who will remain with the team in his existing role as Director of Cricket Operations. Hesson had donned an additional role of head coach for the second leg of the IPL 2021 in UAE.<br />
<br />
Speaking about his new role at RCB, Bangar, said, "It`s an honour and great opportunity to serve such a great franchise in the capacity of head coach. I have worked with some exceptional and talented members in the squad and can`t wait to take this team to the next level. There`s a lot of work that needs to be done with the IPL mega auctions and the season following it, but I`m sure that together with the continued support of the management and the support staff, we can deliver the goods and bring cheer to our fans across the globe."</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/no-one-is-more-disappointed-than-us-kohli-pens-down-emotional-note-after-indias-dismal-t20-wc-427901"><strong>'No one is more disappointed than us' - Kohli pens down emotional note after India's dismal T20 WC</strong></a></p>

<p>Speaking about the appointment of Bangar, Prathmesh Mishra, chairman, RCB, said, "RCB has been committed to its philosophy of supporting and grooming talents from within the team and appointing Sanjay Bangar is the reflection of that belief.<br />
<br />
"Sanjay Bangar has been part of our support staff as a batting consultant and brings a wealth of experience, both as a player and batting coach, having worked extensively with the Indian cricket team. Sanjay has been chosen to be the head coach following a rigorous and robust selection procedure. We are confident that he will be able to bring his experience to the fore and maximise the potential of the squad," added Mishra.<br />
&nbsp;</p>


Indian Premier League (IPL) side Royal Challengers Bangalore on Tuesday announced the appointment of former India batting coach Sanjay Bangar as head coach of the franchise for the 2022 season of the lucrative league.

Indian Premier League (IPL) side Royal Challengers Bangalore on Tuesday announced the appointment of former India batting coach Sanjay Bangar as head coach of the franchise for the 2022 season of the lucrative league. Bangar will take over the reins from New Zealand`s Mike Hesson, who will remain with the team in his existing role as Director of Cricket Operations. Hesson had donned an additional role of head coach for the second leg of the IPL 2021 in UAE. Speaking about his new role at RCB, Bangar, said, "It`s an honour and great opportunity to serve such a great franchise in the capacity of head coach. I have worked with some exceptional and talented members in the squad and can`t wait to take this team to the next level. There`s a lot of work that needs to be done with the IPL mega auctions and the season following it, but I`m sure that together with the continued support of the management and the support staff, we can deliver the goods and bring cheer to our fans across the globe." ALSO READ | 'No one is more disappointed than us' - Kohli pens down emotional note after India's dismal T20 WC Speaking about the appointment of Bangar, Prathmesh Mishra, chairman, RCB, said, "RCB has been committed to its philosophy of supporting and grooming talents from within the team and appointing Sanjay Bangar is the reflection of that belief. "Sanjay Bangar has been part of our support staff as a batting consultant and brings a wealth of experience, both as a player and batting coach, having worked extensively with the Indian cricket team. Sanjay has been chosen to be the head coach following a rigorous and robust selection procedure. We are confident that he will be able to bring his experience to the fore and maximise the potential of the squad," added Mishra.

Sanjay Bangar appointed Virat Kohli-starrer RCB's head coach for IPL 2022

<p><meta name="uuid" content="uuidTgf2q84eHEkW" /><meta charset="utf-8" /></p>

<p>With a standout performance, the Indian team registered a convincing nine-wicket win over Australia in warm-up match in&nbsp;the ongoing <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/t20-wc-rohit-sharmas-half-century-helps-india-chase-australias-153-in-second-warm-up-game-422396">T20 World Cup</a>&nbsp;at the ICC Academy Ground on Wednesday (October 20). For India, Ravichandran Ashwin, KL Rahul and Rohit Sharma were the star performers.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Apart from some top-notch performances, an incident, in particular, has grabbed attention when Virat Kohli was spotted instructing the bowler before Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) teammate Glenn Maxwell's fall of the wicket. Kohli was rested and he only took the field to bowl, in his absence, Rohit Sharma was leading the team.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/t20-wc-dale-steyn-shares-his-india-xi-for-pakistan-clash-names-gamechanger-for-virat-kohli-co-422420">T20 WC: Dale Steyn shares his India XI for Pakistan clash, names gamechanger for Virat Kohli &amp; Co.</a></strong></p>

<p>During the 12th over, the in-form Maxwell welcomed spinner Rahul Chahar with a stunning boundary. After that, Kohli was seen having a chat with Chahar, who then bowled three consecutive dot balls and finally sent the Australian all-rounder back to the pavilion.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It was a crucial wicket from India's perspective as Maxwell, who scored 37 runs and made a 61-run partnership with Steve Smith, was looking dangerous at that moment.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch how Virat instructed Rahul:</strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/CVQF48yFEGD/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);">
<div style="padding:16px;">
<div style=" display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;">
<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;">
<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;">&nbsp;</div>
</div>
</div>

<div style="padding: 19% 0;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="display:block; height:50px; margin:0 auto 12px; width:50px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/CVQF48yFEGD/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank"><svg height="50px" version="1.1" viewbox="0 0 60 60" width="50px" xmlns="https://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"><g fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd" stroke="none" stroke-width="1"><g fill="#000000" transform="translate(-511.000000, -20.000000)"><g><path d="M556.869,30.41 C554.814,30.41 553.148,32.076 553.148,34.131 C553.148,36.186 554.814,37.852 556.869,37.852 C558.924,37.852 560.59,36.186 560.59,34.131 C560.59,32.076 558.924,30.41 556.869,30.41 M541,60.657 C535.114,60.657 530.342,55.887 530.342,50 C530.342,44.114 535.114,39.342 541,39.342 C546.887,39.342 551.658,44.114 551.658,50 C551.658,55.887 546.887,60.657 541,60.657 M541,33.886 C532.1,33.886 524.886,41.1 524.886,50 C524.886,58.899 532.1,66.113 541,66.113 C549.9,66.113 557.115,58.899 557.115,50 C557.115,41.1 549.9,33.886 541,33.886 M565.378,62.101 C565.244,65.022 564.756,66.606 564.346,67.663 C563.803,69.06 563.154,70.057 562.106,71.106 C561.058,72.155 560.06,72.803 558.662,73.347 C557.607,73.757 556.021,74.244 553.102,74.378 C549.944,74.521 548.997,74.552 541,74.552 C533.003,74.552 532.056,74.521 528.898,74.378 C525.979,74.244 524.393,73.757 523.338,73.347 C521.94,72.803 520.942,72.155 519.894,71.106 C518.846,70.057 518.197,69.06 517.654,67.663 C517.244,66.606 516.755,65.022 516.623,62.101 C516.479,58.943 516.448,57.996 516.448,50 C516.448,42.003 516.479,41.056 516.623,37.899 C516.755,34.978 517.244,33.391 517.654,32.338 C518.197,30.938 518.846,29.942 519.894,28.894 C520.942,27.846 521.94,27.196 523.338,26.654 C524.393,26.244 525.979,25.756 528.898,25.623 C532.057,25.479 533.004,25.448 541,25.448 C548.997,25.448 549.943,25.479 553.102,25.623 C556.021,25.756 557.607,26.244 558.662,26.654 C560.06,27.196 561.058,27.846 562.106,28.894 C563.154,29.942 563.803,30.938 564.346,32.338 C564.756,33.391 565.244,34.978 565.378,37.899 C565.522,41.056 565.552,42.003 565.552,50 C565.552,57.996 565.522,58.943 565.378,62.101 M570.82,37.631 C570.674,34.438 570.167,32.258 569.425,30.349 C568.659,28.377 567.633,26.702 565.965,25.035 C564.297,23.368 562.623,22.342 560.652,21.575 C558.743,20.834 556.562,20.326 553.369,20.18 C550.169,20.033 549.148,20 541,20 C532.853,20 531.831,20.033 528.631,20.18 C525.438,20.326 523.257,20.834 521.349,21.575 C519.376,22.342 517.703,23.368 516.035,25.035 C514.368,26.702 513.342,28.377 512.574,30.349 C511.834,32.258 511.326,34.438 511.181,37.631 C511.035,40.831 511,41.851 511,50 C511,58.147 511.035,59.17 511.181,62.369 C511.326,65.562 511.834,67.743 512.574,69.651 C513.342,71.625 514.368,73.296 516.035,74.965 C517.703,76.634 519.376,77.658 521.349,78.425 C523.257,79.167 525.438,79.673 528.631,79.82 C531.831,79.965 532.853,80.001 541,80.001 C549.148,80.001 550.169,79.965 553.369,79.82 C556.562,79.673 558.743,79.167 560.652,78.425 C562.623,77.658 564.297,76.634 565.965,74.965 C567.633,73.296 568.659,71.625 569.425,69.651 C570.167,67.743 570.674,65.562 570.82,62.369 C570.966,59.17 571,58.147 571,50 C571,41.851 570.966,40.831 570.82,37.631"></path></g></g></g></svg></a></div>

<div style="padding-top: 8px;">
<div style=" color:#3897f0; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:550; line-height:18px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/CVQF48yFEGD/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank">View this post on Instagram</a></div>
</div>

<div style="padding: 12.5% 0;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;">
<div>
<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);">&nbsp;</div>
</div>

<div style="margin-left: 8px;">
<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg)">&nbsp;</div>
</div>

<div style="margin-left: auto;">
<div style=" width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);">&nbsp;</div>
</div>
</div>

<div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;">
<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;">&nbsp;</div>
</div>

<p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/CVQF48yFEGD/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank">A post shared by ICC (@icc)</a></p>
</div>
</blockquote>
<script async src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>During the match, chasing 153, India got off to a steady start as openers KL Rahul and Rohit Sharma put together 42 runs inside the first six overs. Rahul and Rohit Sharma put together 42 runs inside the first six overs. Both batters stitched together an opening stand of 68 runs and it finally ended in the 10th over as Ashton Agar had Rahul (39) caught at the hands of David Warner.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Rohit and Suryakumar Yadav ensured that India does not suffer from more hiccups, and with the side 26-run away from the target, Rohit decided to retire hurt after playing a knock of 60. In the end, India registered a comfortable victory with Suryakumar (38) and Hardik Pandya (14) remaining unbeaten at the crease.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/t20-wc-fan-asks-shaheen-afridi-for-indo-pak-match-tickets-pacer-responds-in-hilarious-manner-watch-422308"><strong>T20 WC: Fan asks Shaheen Afridi for Indo-Pak match tickets, pacer responds in hilarious manner - Watch</strong></a></p>

<p>Opting to bat first, Australia got off to the worst start possible as David Warner (1), Aaron Finch (8) and Mitchell Marsh (0) lost their wickets cheaply. Ravichandran Ashwin dismissed Warner and Marsh while Ravindra Jadeja sent Finch back to the pavilion, reducing Australia to 11/3 in the fourth over.</p>

<p>India had also beaten England in their earlier practice game and the Men in Blue will begin their campaign in a heavyweight clash against Pakistan on October 24.&nbsp;</p>


With a standout performance, the Indian team registered a convincing nine-wicket win over Australia in warm-up match in the ongoing T20 World Cup at the ICC Academy Ground on Wednesday (October 20).

With a standout performance, the Indian team registered a convincing nine-wicket win over Australia in warm-up match in the ongoing T20 World Cup at the ICC Academy Ground on Wednesday (October 20). For India, Ravichandran Ashwin, KL Rahul and Rohit Sharma were the star performers. Apart from some top-notch performances, an incident, in particular, has grabbed attention when Virat Kohli was spotted instructing the bowler before Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) teammate Glenn Maxwell's fall of the wicket. Kohli was rested and he only took the field to bowl, in his absence, Rohit Sharma was leading the team. ALSO READ | T20 WC: Dale Steyn shares his India XI for Pakistan clash, names gamechanger for Virat Kohli & Co. During the 12th over, the in-form Maxwell welcomed spinner Rahul Chahar with a stunning boundary. After that, Kohli was seen having a chat with Chahar, who then bowled three consecutive dot balls and finally sent the Australian all-rounder back to the pavilion. It was a crucial wicket from India's perspective as Maxwell, who scored 37 runs and made a 61-run partnership with Steve Smith, was looking dangerous at that moment. Watch how Virat instructed Rahul: View this post on Instagram A post shared by ICC (@icc) × During the match, chasing 153, India got off to a steady start as openers KL Rahul and Rohit Sharma put together 42 runs inside the first six overs. Rahul and Rohit Sharma put together 42 runs inside the first six overs. Both batters stitched together an opening stand of 68 runs and it finally ended in the 10th over as Ashton Agar had Rahul (39) caught at the hands of David Warner. Rohit and Suryakumar Yadav ensured that India does not suffer from more hiccups, and with the side 26-run away from the target, Rohit decided to retire hurt after playing a knock of 60. In the end, India registered a comfortable victory with Suryakumar (38) and Hardik Pandya (14) remaining unbeaten at the crease. ALSO READ | T20 WC: Fan asks Shaheen Afridi for Indo-Pak match tickets, pacer responds in hilarious manner - Watch Opting to bat first, Australia got off to the worst start possible as David Warner (1), Aaron Finch (8) and Mitchell Marsh (0) lost their wickets cheaply. Ravichandran Ashwin dismissed Warner and Marsh while Ravindra Jadeja sent Finch back to the pavilion, reducing Australia to 11/3 in the fourth over. India had also beaten England in their earlier practice game and the Men in Blue will begin their campaign in a heavyweight clash against Pakistan on October 24.

Watch: Virat Kohli instructs bowler to remove RCB teammate during India vs Australia warm-up clash in T20 WC

<p>Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) once again failed to lift their maiden Indian Premier League (IPL) trophy in 2021 as they were eliminated from the playoffs. The Virat Kohli-led side made it to their second successive playoffs this year only to bow out after losing against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the Eliminator. With Kohli set to step down as the captain next year, RCB are expected to revamp the entire squad in the upcoming IPL mega auction ahead of the 2022 edition.</p>

<p>RCB have a number of superstars in their ranks and will have to choose wisely when it comes to retentions. The BCCI is yet to confirm the retention policy ahead of the mega auction but it is expected that the board will allow each franchise to retain a maximum of three players. RCB are all but certain to retain Kohli and it remains to be seen who can be the other two players the franchise might not part ways with for IPL 2022.</p>

<p>Former Australia spinner Brad Hogg believes RCB should part ways with superstar batter AB de Villiers ahead of the new season. De Villiers has been one of the best overseas batters in the IPL over the years but his performances dipped this season as lack of competitive cricket reflected on his form. De Villiers could only manage 313 runs in 15 matches in IPL 2021 and question marks remain over his future with RCB.</p>

<p>Hogg said if he was RCB, he would let De Villiers go, however, he backed Chennai Super Kings to retain Faf du Plessis, who is also 37 and is not part of South Africa's T20 World Cup squad. "If I was RCB, I would not keep AB de Villiers because his future is a little more unsettled than the likes of Faf du Plessis," Hogg said in a video on his YouTube channel.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/sunil-gavaskar-pays-tribute-to-ms-dhoni-havent-been-fortunate-enough-to-be-in-same-change-room-as-him-421209"><strong>&nbsp;</strong>Sunil Gavaskar pays tribute to MS Dhoni: Haven't been fortunate enough to be in same change room as him</a></p>

<p>De Villiers is RCB's second-highest run-getter of all time with 4522 runs in 157 matches for the franchise in IPL. He has two hundreds and 37 fifties to his name in the cash-rich league for RCB but has failed to inspire them to their maiden title.</p>


Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) once again failed to lift their maiden Indian Premier League (IPL) trophy in 2021 as they were eliminated from the playoffs. The Virat Kohli-led side made it to their second successive playoffs this year only to bow out after losing against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the Eliminator.

Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) once again failed to lift their maiden Indian Premier League (IPL) trophy in 2021 as they were eliminated from the playoffs. The Virat Kohli-led side made it to their second successive playoffs this year only to bow out after losing against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the Eliminator. With Kohli set to step down as the captain next year, RCB are expected to revamp the entire squad in the upcoming IPL mega auction ahead of the 2022 edition. RCB have a number of superstars in their ranks and will have to choose wisely when it comes to retentions. The BCCI is yet to confirm the retention policy ahead of the mega auction but it is expected that the board will allow each franchise to retain a maximum of three players. RCB are all but certain to retain Kohli and it remains to be seen who can be the other two players the franchise might not part ways with for IPL 2022. Former Australia spinner Brad Hogg believes RCB should part ways with superstar batter AB de Villiers ahead of the new season. De Villiers has been one of the best overseas batters in the IPL over the years but his performances dipped this season as lack of competitive cricket reflected on his form. De Villiers could only manage 313 runs in 15 matches in IPL 2021 and question marks remain over his future with RCB. Hogg said if he was RCB, he would let De Villiers go, however, he backed Chennai Super Kings to retain Faf du Plessis, who is also 37 and is not part of South Africa's T20 World Cup squad. "If I was RCB, I would not keep AB de Villiers because his future is a little more unsettled than the likes of Faf du Plessis," Hogg said in a video on his YouTube channel. Also Read: Sunil Gavaskar pays tribute to MS Dhoni: Haven't been fortunate enough to be in same change room as him De Villiers is RCB's second-highest run-getter of all time with 4522 runs in 157 matches for the franchise in IPL. He has two hundreds and 37 fifties to his name in the cash-rich league for RCB but has failed to inspire them to their maiden title.

'If I was RCB, I would not keep AB De Villiers': Former Australia spinner makes bold claim

<p>Virat Kohli, the skipper of the Indian cricket team, posted a hilarious image that perfectly describes what it feels to be "playing in bubbles". The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic impacted sports globally with almost all the leagues were suspended.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, slowly and gradually, leagues around the world are resumed with proper safety measures. Among other sports, cricket boards are trying their best to conduct the matches. However, they have resorted to playing with bio-bubbles, which limits the players' contacts to their team hotel and the ground.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Some cricketers in the recent past have spoken about bio-bubble fatigue and the impact of playing under strict rules. Looks like Kohli is another one on the list. In the photograph that looked to be from a set, Virat can be seen with a rope around him while sitting on a chair.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/maybe-i-am-not-that-famous-when-a-newspaper-got-rahul-dravids-name-wrong-after-his-century-421037">'Maybe I am not that famous': When a newspaper got Rahul Dravid's name wrong after his century</a></strong></p>

<p>"This is what playing in bubbles feels like," Virat wrote in his Instagram post along with the picture.</p>

<p>Reacting to his picture, former England cricketer Kevin Pietersen said "Players/broadcasters are DONE with them (bio-bubbles) ! Great pic, dude!."</p>

<p>Although in a hilarious manner, Kohli is the latest cricketer to speak up about the struggles players go through when constantly being in bio-bubbles.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>See the picture here:</strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CVCgrRdFybO/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);">
<div style="padding:16px;">
<div style=" display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;">
<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;">
<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;">&nbsp;</div>
</div>
</div>

<div style="padding: 19% 0;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="display:block; height:50px; margin:0 auto 12px; width:50px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CVCgrRdFybO/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank"><svg height="50px" version="1.1" viewbox="0 0 60 60" width="50px" xmlns="https://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"><g fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd" stroke="none" stroke-width="1"><g fill="#000000" transform="translate(-511.000000, -20.000000)"><g><path d="M556.869,30.41 C554.814,30.41 553.148,32.076 553.148,34.131 C553.148,36.186 554.814,37.852 556.869,37.852 C558.924,37.852 560.59,36.186 560.59,34.131 C560.59,32.076 558.924,30.41 556.869,30.41 M541,60.657 C535.114,60.657 530.342,55.887 530.342,50 C530.342,44.114 535.114,39.342 541,39.342 C546.887,39.342 551.658,44.114 551.658,50 C551.658,55.887 546.887,60.657 541,60.657 M541,33.886 C532.1,33.886 524.886,41.1 524.886,50 C524.886,58.899 532.1,66.113 541,66.113 C549.9,66.113 557.115,58.899 557.115,50 C557.115,41.1 549.9,33.886 541,33.886 M565.378,62.101 C565.244,65.022 564.756,66.606 564.346,67.663 C563.803,69.06 563.154,70.057 562.106,71.106 C561.058,72.155 560.06,72.803 558.662,73.347 C557.607,73.757 556.021,74.244 553.102,74.378 C549.944,74.521 548.997,74.552 541,74.552 C533.003,74.552 532.056,74.521 528.898,74.378 C525.979,74.244 524.393,73.757 523.338,73.347 C521.94,72.803 520.942,72.155 519.894,71.106 C518.846,70.057 518.197,69.06 517.654,67.663 C517.244,66.606 516.755,65.022 516.623,62.101 C516.479,58.943 516.448,57.996 516.448,50 C516.448,42.003 516.479,41.056 516.623,37.899 C516.755,34.978 517.244,33.391 517.654,32.338 C518.197,30.938 518.846,29.942 519.894,28.894 C520.942,27.846 521.94,27.196 523.338,26.654 C524.393,26.244 525.979,25.756 528.898,25.623 C532.057,25.479 533.004,25.448 541,25.448 C548.997,25.448 549.943,25.479 553.102,25.623 C556.021,25.756 557.607,26.244 558.662,26.654 C560.06,27.196 561.058,27.846 562.106,28.894 C563.154,29.942 563.803,30.938 564.346,32.338 C564.756,33.391 565.244,34.978 565.378,37.899 C565.522,41.056 565.552,42.003 565.552,50 C565.552,57.996 565.522,58.943 565.378,62.101 M570.82,37.631 C570.674,34.438 570.167,32.258 569.425,30.349 C568.659,28.377 567.633,26.702 565.965,25.035 C564.297,23.368 562.623,22.342 560.652,21.575 C558.743,20.834 556.562,20.326 553.369,20.18 C550.169,20.033 549.148,20 541,20 C532.853,20 531.831,20.033 528.631,20.18 C525.438,20.326 523.257,20.834 521.349,21.575 C519.376,22.342 517.703,23.368 516.035,25.035 C514.368,26.702 513.342,28.377 512.574,30.349 C511.834,32.258 511.326,34.438 511.181,37.631 C511.035,40.831 511,41.851 511,50 C511,58.147 511.035,59.17 511.181,62.369 C511.326,65.562 511.834,67.743 512.574,69.651 C513.342,71.625 514.368,73.296 516.035,74.965 C517.703,76.634 519.376,77.658 521.349,78.425 C523.257,79.167 525.438,79.673 528.631,79.82 C531.831,79.965 532.853,80.001 541,80.001 C549.148,80.001 550.169,79.965 553.369,79.82 C556.562,79.673 558.743,79.167 560.652,78.425 C562.623,77.658 564.297,76.634 565.965,74.965 C567.633,73.296 568.659,71.625 569.425,69.651 C570.167,67.743 570.674,65.562 570.82,62.369 C570.966,59.17 571,58.147 571,50 C571,41.851 570.966,40.831 570.82,37.631"></path></g></g></g></svg></a></div>

<div style="padding-top: 8px;">
<div style=" color:#3897f0; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:550; line-height:18px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CVCgrRdFybO/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank">View this post on Instagram</a></div>
</div>

<div style="padding: 12.5% 0;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;">
<div>
<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);">&nbsp;</div>
</div>

<div style="margin-left: 8px;">
<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg)">&nbsp;</div>
</div>

<div style="margin-left: auto;">
<div style=" width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);">&nbsp;</div>
</div>
</div>

<div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;">
<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;">&nbsp;</div>
</div>

<p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CVCgrRdFybO/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank">A post shared by Virat Kohli (@virat.kohli)</a></p>
</div>
</blockquote>
<script async src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p><strong>ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/from-virat-kohli-to-ruturaj-gaikwad-orange-cap-winners-in-ipl-history-421076">From Virat Kohli to Ruturaj Gaikwad: Orange Cap winners in IPL history</a></strong></p>

<p>Kohli-led Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) were knocked out by Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the Eliminator of the IPL 2021. However, he will still remain in the UAE to lead India in the T20 World Cup.</p>

<p>India will begin their T20 World Cup campaign against Pakistan on October 24 at the Dubai International Stadium.</p>


Virat Kohli, the skipper of the Indian cricket team, posted a hilarious image that perfectly describes what it feels to be "playing in bubbles". The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic impacted sports globally with almost all the leagues were suspended.

Virat Kohli, the skipper of the Indian cricket team, posted a hilarious image that perfectly describes what it feels to be "playing in bubbles". The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic impacted sports globally with almost all the leagues were suspended. However, slowly and gradually, leagues around the world are resumed with proper safety measures. Among other sports, cricket boards are trying their best to conduct the matches. However, they have resorted to playing with bio-bubbles, which limits the players' contacts to their team hotel and the ground. Some cricketers in the recent past have spoken about bio-bubble fatigue and the impact of playing under strict rules. Looks like Kohli is another one on the list. In the photograph that looked to be from a set, Virat can be seen with a rope around him while sitting on a chair. ALSO READ | 'Maybe I am not that famous': When a newspaper got Rahul Dravid's name wrong after his century "This is what playing in bubbles feels like," Virat wrote in his Instagram post along with the picture. Reacting to his picture, former England cricketer Kevin Pietersen said "Players/broadcasters are DONE with them (bio-bubbles) ! Great pic, dude!." Although in a hilarious manner, Kohli is the latest cricketer to speak up about the struggles players go through when constantly being in bio-bubbles. See the picture here: View this post on Instagram A post shared by Virat Kohli (@virat.kohli) × ALSO READ | From Virat Kohli to Ruturaj Gaikwad: Orange Cap winners in IPL history Kohli-led Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) were knocked out by Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the Eliminator of the IPL 2021. However, he will still remain in the UAE to lead India in the T20 World Cup. India will begin their T20 World Cup campaign against Pakistan on October 24 at the Dubai International Stadium.

Virat Kohli has an epic way of telling 'what playing in bubbles feels like'

<p>Virat Kohli's Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) once again fell short of winning their maiden IPL title as they bowed out of the 2021 edition by losing to Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the Eliminator, on Monday (October 11) at Sharjah Cricket Stadium, Sharjah.&nbsp;</p>

<p>After confirming a spot in the playoffs, with two games to spare in the league stage, RCB were beaten by KKR by four wickets, with two balls to spare, in the Eliminator as Sunil Narine's magnificent 4 for 21 and a belligerent 26 took his side home. Following RCB's exit, Kohli stepped down as the captain of the franchise; having already announced his decision at the start of the second and final leg in the UAE.</p>

<p>As a mega auction is scheduled to take place later this year, ahead of IPL 2022, many changes are expected in the RCB line-up as the team management will like to revamp and rebuild their squad with a new leader; in order to win their maiden title in the coming years.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/not-david-warner-or-kl-rahul-michael-vaughan-shares-out-of-box-name-as-virat-kohlis-successor-at-rcb-420463"><strong>Not David Warner or KL Rahul! Michael Vaughan shares 'out-of-box' name as Virat Kohli's successor at RCB</strong></a></p>

<p>As franchises are likely to be allowed to retain three players each, former KKR captain Gautam Gambhir feels AB de Villiers might not be retained as 'he is not the future'. He named three players who can be retained by the three-time runners-up going forward.</p>

<p>"Yes, because I think they will retain Glenn Maxwell since he is the future, and AB de Villiers is not," said Gambhir on <em>ESPNCricinfo </em>on being asked if RCB could decide not to retain De Villiers.</p>

<p>"Yes, I would just want to add that between Harshal Patel and Chahal, one can be picked. So, it's up to them whether they want to pick either Chahal or Harshal," the two-time IPL-winning skipper stated when asked if Yuzvendra Chahal, Kohli and Glenn Maxwell will be Bengaluru's three retained players.</p>

<p>Gambhir also opined on Kohli's timing of stepping down as RCB captain. In this regard, he said, "I guess the timing wasn't right. If he had to quit as captain, he could have done that even after the tournament. He was in this situation, where it wasn’t like RCB was not in a position to qualify. They were pretty much in so I believe that had he resigned after the tournament, it would have been better."</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2021-virat-kohli-pours-his-heart-out-after-stepping-down-as-rcb-captain-watch-420408"><strong>IPL 2021: Virat Kohli pours his heart out after stepping down as RCB captain - WATCH</strong></a></p>

<p>RCB ended the IPL 14 season with nine&nbsp;wins and six&nbsp;losses. Some of their top-performers were Maxwell, Harshal Patel (32 scalps), Yuzi Chahal whereas Mohammad Siraj, Kohli and de Villiers had a reasonable season as well.</p>


Virat Kohli's Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) once again fell short of winning their maiden IPL title as they bowed out of the 2021 edition by losing to Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the Eliminator, on Monday (October 11) at Sharjah Cricket Stadium, Sharjah.

Virat Kohli's Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) once again fell short of winning their maiden IPL title as they bowed out of the 2021 edition by losing to Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the Eliminator, on Monday (October 11) at Sharjah Cricket Stadium, Sharjah. After confirming a spot in the playoffs, with two games to spare in the league stage, RCB were beaten by KKR by four wickets, with two balls to spare, in the Eliminator as Sunil Narine's magnificent 4 for 21 and a belligerent 26 took his side home. Following RCB's exit, Kohli stepped down as the captain of the franchise; having already announced his decision at the start of the second and final leg in the UAE. As a mega auction is scheduled to take place later this year, ahead of IPL 2022, many changes are expected in the RCB line-up as the team management will like to revamp and rebuild their squad with a new leader; in order to win their maiden title in the coming years. ALSO READ | Not David Warner or KL Rahul! Michael Vaughan shares 'out-of-box' name as Virat Kohli's successor at RCB As franchises are likely to be allowed to retain three players each, former KKR captain Gautam Gambhir feels AB de Villiers might not be retained as 'he is not the future'. He named three players who can be retained by the three-time runners-up going forward. "Yes, because I think they will retain Glenn Maxwell since he is the future, and AB de Villiers is not," said Gambhir on ESPNCricinfo on being asked if RCB could decide not to retain De Villiers. "Yes, I would just want to add that between Harshal Patel and Chahal, one can be picked. So, it's up to them whether they want to pick either Chahal or Harshal," the two-time IPL-winning skipper stated when asked if Yuzvendra Chahal, Kohli and Glenn Maxwell will be Bengaluru's three retained players. Gambhir also opined on Kohli's timing of stepping down as RCB captain. In this regard, he said, "I guess the timing wasn't right. If he had to quit as captain, he could have done that even after the tournament. He was in this situation, where it wasn’t like RCB was not in a position to qualify. They were pretty much in so I believe that had he resigned after the tournament, it would have been better." ALSO READ | IPL 2021: Virat Kohli pours his heart out after stepping down as RCB captain - WATCH RCB ended the IPL 14 season with nine wins and six losses. Some of their top-performers were Maxwell, Harshal Patel (32 scalps), Yuzi Chahal whereas Mohammad Siraj, Kohli and de Villiers had a reasonable season as well.

'He's not the future' - Gautam Gambhir names 3 players RCB can retain ahead of IPL 2022 mega auction

<p>Virat Kohli officially stepped down as Royal Challengers Bangalore's (RCB) captain after the three-time runners-up ended their campaign in IPL 2021. RCB locked horns with Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the Eliminator on Monday (October 11), at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium, Sharjah, where they lost to the two-time winners by four wickets to bow out of the current edition. With this, Kohli's tenure as RCB captain also came to an end.</p>

<p>Kohli had taken over as RCB's full-time captain ahead of IPL 2013, after leading the franchise on an ad hoc basis especially in 2012. Under him, the Bengaluru franchise reached the playoffs on four occasions -- in 2015, 2016, 2020 and 2021 -- and ended as the runners-up in 2016. In addition, they finished at the bottom in 2017 and 2019.&nbsp;</p>

<p>After RCB's exit from IPL 2021, the 32-year-old Kohli reflected back on his journey as RCB captain over the years, in a video shared by the franchise's official Instagram handle. "It's a bit of an emotional moment for me because I have led this franchise for so long. And I have tried my absolute best to make the team win and get us a title. Unfortunately, it could not happen and such is life. I don't have any complaints. I only have gratitude for the opportunity that RCB has given me. I am happy that I could give everything I had," Kohli said in a video shared by RCB on social media.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/thank-you-for-showing-us-the-true-meaning-of-play-bold-rcb-pay-rich-tribute-to-virat-kohli-420204">'Thank you for showing us the true meaning of Play Bold' - RCB pay rich tribute to Virat Kohli</a></strong></p>

<p>"As I said, some things are not meant to be. I am ever so grateful for everything I have been able to do as a captain for RCB and for the opportunity that I had," he further asserted.</p>

<p><strong>Here's the clip:</strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/tv/CU7pZUDhosN/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);">
<div style="padding:16px;">
<div style=" display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;">
<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;">
<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;">&nbsp;</div>
</div>
</div>

<div style="padding: 19% 0;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="display:block; height:50px; margin:0 auto 12px; width:50px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/tv/CU7pZUDhosN/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank"><svg height="50px" version="1.1" viewbox="0 0 60 60" width="50px" xmlns="https://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"><g fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd" stroke="none" stroke-width="1"><g fill="#000000" transform="translate(-511.000000, -20.000000)"><g><path d="M556.869,30.41 C554.814,30.41 553.148,32.076 553.148,34.131 C553.148,36.186 554.814,37.852 556.869,37.852 C558.924,37.852 560.59,36.186 560.59,34.131 C560.59,32.076 558.924,30.41 556.869,30.41 M541,60.657 C535.114,60.657 530.342,55.887 530.342,50 C530.342,44.114 535.114,39.342 541,39.342 C546.887,39.342 551.658,44.114 551.658,50 C551.658,55.887 546.887,60.657 541,60.657 M541,33.886 C532.1,33.886 524.886,41.1 524.886,50 C524.886,58.899 532.1,66.113 541,66.113 C549.9,66.113 557.115,58.899 557.115,50 C557.115,41.1 549.9,33.886 541,33.886 M565.378,62.101 C565.244,65.022 564.756,66.606 564.346,67.663 C563.803,69.06 563.154,70.057 562.106,71.106 C561.058,72.155 560.06,72.803 558.662,73.347 C557.607,73.757 556.021,74.244 553.102,74.378 C549.944,74.521 548.997,74.552 541,74.552 C533.003,74.552 532.056,74.521 528.898,74.378 C525.979,74.244 524.393,73.757 523.338,73.347 C521.94,72.803 520.942,72.155 519.894,71.106 C518.846,70.057 518.197,69.06 517.654,67.663 C517.244,66.606 516.755,65.022 516.623,62.101 C516.479,58.943 516.448,57.996 516.448,50 C516.448,42.003 516.479,41.056 516.623,37.899 C516.755,34.978 517.244,33.391 517.654,32.338 C518.197,30.938 518.846,29.942 519.894,28.894 C520.942,27.846 521.94,27.196 523.338,26.654 C524.393,26.244 525.979,25.756 528.898,25.623 C532.057,25.479 533.004,25.448 541,25.448 C548.997,25.448 549.943,25.479 553.102,25.623 C556.021,25.756 557.607,26.244 558.662,26.654 C560.06,27.196 561.058,27.846 562.106,28.894 C563.154,29.942 563.803,30.938 564.346,32.338 C564.756,33.391 565.244,34.978 565.378,37.899 C565.522,41.056 565.552,42.003 565.552,50 C565.552,57.996 565.522,58.943 565.378,62.101 M570.82,37.631 C570.674,34.438 570.167,32.258 569.425,30.349 C568.659,28.377 567.633,26.702 565.965,25.035 C564.297,23.368 562.623,22.342 560.652,21.575 C558.743,20.834 556.562,20.326 553.369,20.18 C550.169,20.033 549.148,20 541,20 C532.853,20 531.831,20.033 528.631,20.18 C525.438,20.326 523.257,20.834 521.349,21.575 C519.376,22.342 517.703,23.368 516.035,25.035 C514.368,26.702 513.342,28.377 512.574,30.349 C511.834,32.258 511.326,34.438 511.181,37.631 C511.035,40.831 511,41.851 511,50 C511,58.147 511.035,59.17 511.181,62.369 C511.326,65.562 511.834,67.743 512.574,69.651 C513.342,71.625 514.368,73.296 516.035,74.965 C517.703,76.634 519.376,77.658 521.349,78.425 C523.257,79.167 525.438,79.673 528.631,79.82 C531.831,79.965 532.853,80.001 541,80.001 C549.148,80.001 550.169,79.965 553.369,79.82 C556.562,79.673 558.743,79.167 560.652,78.425 C562.623,77.658 564.297,76.634 565.965,74.965 C567.633,73.296 568.659,71.625 569.425,69.651 C570.167,67.743 570.674,65.562 570.82,62.369 C570.966,59.17 571,58.147 571,50 C571,41.851 570.966,40.831 570.82,37.631"></path></g></g></g></svg></a></div>

<div style="padding-top: 8px;">
<div style=" color:#3897f0; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:550; line-height:18px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/tv/CU7pZUDhosN/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank">View this post on Instagram</a></div>
</div>

<div style="padding: 12.5% 0;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;">
<div>
<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);">&nbsp;</div>
</div>

<div style="margin-left: 8px;">
<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg)">&nbsp;</div>
</div>

<div style="margin-left: auto;">
<div style=" width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);">&nbsp;</div>
</div>
</div>

<div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;">
<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;">&nbsp;</div>
</div>

<p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/tv/CU7pZUDhosN/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank">A post shared by Royal Challengers Bangalore (@royalchallengersbangalore)</a></p>
</div>
</blockquote>
<script async src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/dc-vs-kkr-ipl-2021-qualifier-2-prediction-who-will-win-delhi-capitals-vs-kolkata-knight-riders-match-420223"><strong>DC vs KKR, IPL 2021 Qualifier 2 prediction: Who will win Delhi Capitals vs Kolkata Knight Riders match?</strong></a></p>

<p>Over the years, Kohli led some big names in the RCB line-up, such as Chris Gayle, Yuvraj Singh, Tillakaratne Dilshan, AB de Villiers, Aaron Finch, Glenn Maxwell. The superstar cricketer has, however, made it clear that he wants to continue playing for the RCB franchise throughout his IPL career and will now like to help the future captain in taking the team forward in IPL 2022.</p>


Virat Kohli officially stepped down as Royal Challengers Bangalore's (RCB) captain after the three-time runners-up ended their campaign in IPL 2021. RCB locked horns with Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the Eliminator on Monday (October 11), at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium, Sharjah, where they lost to the two-time winners by four wickets to bow out of the current edition.

Virat Kohli officially stepped down as Royal Challengers Bangalore's (RCB) captain after the three-time runners-up ended their campaign in IPL 2021. RCB locked horns with Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the Eliminator on Monday (October 11), at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium, Sharjah, where they lost to the two-time winners by four wickets to bow out of the current edition. With this, Kohli's tenure as RCB captain also came to an end. Kohli had taken over as RCB's full-time captain ahead of IPL 2013, after leading the franchise on an ad hoc basis especially in 2012. Under him, the Bengaluru franchise reached the playoffs on four occasions -- in 2015, 2016, 2020 and 2021 -- and ended as the runners-up in 2016. In addition, they finished at the bottom in 2017 and 2019. After RCB's exit from IPL 2021, the 32-year-old Kohli reflected back on his journey as RCB captain over the years, in a video shared by the franchise's official Instagram handle. "It's a bit of an emotional moment for me because I have led this franchise for so long. And I have tried my absolute best to make the team win and get us a title. Unfortunately, it could not happen and such is life. I don't have any complaints. I only have gratitude for the opportunity that RCB has given me. I am happy that I could give everything I had," Kohli said in a video shared by RCB on social media. ALSO READ | 'Thank you for showing us the true meaning of Play Bold' - RCB pay rich tribute to Virat Kohli "As I said, some things are not meant to be. I am ever so grateful for everything I have been able to do as a captain for RCB and for the opportunity that I had," he further asserted. Here's the clip: View this post on Instagram A post shared by Royal Challengers Bangalore (@royalchallengersbangalore) × ALSO READ | DC vs KKR, IPL 2021 Qualifier 2 prediction: Who will win Delhi Capitals vs Kolkata Knight Riders match? Over the years, Kohli led some big names in the RCB line-up, such as Chris Gayle, Yuvraj Singh, Tillakaratne Dilshan, AB de Villiers, Aaron Finch, Glenn Maxwell. The superstar cricketer has, however, made it clear that he wants to continue playing for the RCB franchise throughout his IPL career and will now like to help the future captain in taking the team forward in IPL 2022.

IPL 2021: Virat Kohli pours his heart out after stepping down as RCB captain - WATCH

<p>Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB)'s campaign in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 came to an end on Monday (October 11) after Virat Kohli &amp; Co. lost by four wickets in the Eliminator against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at the Sharjah Stadium in Sharjah. RCB failed to defend the total of 138 runs as their bid for maiden title ended abruptly yet again.</p>

<p>RCB will now be looking to revamp their squad ahead of the new season of IPL in 2022. With Virat Kohli not captaining the side anymore, the franchise might also be in the auction looking for a captain if they decide to look beyond the players in their current squad to take over from Kohli.</p>

<p>It will be crucial for RCB to retain the best players from the current batch to ensure they can build the team around them for the new season. With BCCI likely to allow a maximum of three retentions as per reports, Kohli is likely to be the first player to be retained by the franchise while it remains to be seen who will be the others who are retained.</p>

<p>West Indies legend Brian Lara recently named three players that he feels RCB should retain ahead of IPL 2022. He picked Kohli, Glenn Maxwell and Devdutt Padikkal as his first-choice players to be retained while snubbing star batsman AB de Villiers.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I think they have got to make some tough decisions. Of course, Maxwell has come in and listening to what their coaches have to say about him, he has pretty much delivered what was expected of him," Lara said on <em>Cricket.com</em>.</p>

<p>"Virat Kohli is a franchise winner anywhere he goes so he is going to be retained in that position. You want to go for people, who you feel, if you put them in the market, you can get them back. I would go with Maxwell as a second choice. And also, maybe a player like Padikkal," he added.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/100-behind-dan-christian-rcb-release-statement-after-all-rounder-faces-horrific-online-abuse-420242">100% behind Dan Christian: RCB release statement after all-rounder faces horrific online abuse</a></p>

<p>De Villiers is one of the best batsmen RCB have in their ranks at present and is currently the all-time second-highest run-getter of the franchise with 4522 runs in 157 matches. However, Lara explained that the South African has struggled to perform consistently and is not getting younger which is why it's the right time for RCB to part ways with him.</p>

<p>“Why would you want to retain AB de Villiers when he is not scoring runs and not getting any younger. You’re playing six weeks of cricket for the entire year and if you think he is going to be ready everytime the IPL comes around, then do it but we have seen the situation with Chris Gayle at 42. And he plays leagues after leagues all the year and still he struggles,” Lara said.</p>


Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB)'s campaign in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 came to an end on Monday (October 11) after Virat Kohli & Co. lost by four wickets in the Eliminator against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at the Sharjah Stadium in Sharjah.

Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB)'s campaign in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 came to an end on Monday (October 11) after Virat Kohli & Co. lost by four wickets in the Eliminator against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at the Sharjah Stadium in Sharjah. RCB failed to defend the total of 138 runs as their bid for maiden title ended abruptly yet again. RCB will now be looking to revamp their squad ahead of the new season of IPL in 2022. With Virat Kohli not captaining the side anymore, the franchise might also be in the auction looking for a captain if they decide to look beyond the players in their current squad to take over from Kohli. It will be crucial for RCB to retain the best players from the current batch to ensure they can build the team around them for the new season. With BCCI likely to allow a maximum of three retentions as per reports, Kohli is likely to be the first player to be retained by the franchise while it remains to be seen who will be the others who are retained. West Indies legend Brian Lara recently named three players that he feels RCB should retain ahead of IPL 2022. He picked Kohli, Glenn Maxwell and Devdutt Padikkal as his first-choice players to be retained while snubbing star batsman AB de Villiers. "I think they have got to make some tough decisions. Of course, Maxwell has come in and listening to what their coaches have to say about him, he has pretty much delivered what was expected of him," Lara said on Cricket.com. "Virat Kohli is a franchise winner anywhere he goes so he is going to be retained in that position. You want to go for people, who you feel, if you put them in the market, you can get them back. I would go with Maxwell as a second choice. And also, maybe a player like Padikkal," he added. Also Read: 100% behind Dan Christian: RCB release statement after all-rounder faces horrific online abuse De Villiers is one of the best batsmen RCB have in their ranks at present and is currently the all-time second-highest run-getter of the franchise with 4522 runs in 157 matches. However, Lara explained that the South African has struggled to perform consistently and is not getting younger which is why it's the right time for RCB to part ways with him. “Why would you want to retain AB de Villiers when he is not scoring runs and not getting any younger. You’re playing six weeks of cricket for the entire year and if you think he is going to be ready everytime the IPL comes around, then do it but we have seen the situation with Chris Gayle at 42. And he plays leagues after leagues all the year and still he struggles,” Lara said.

No AB de Villiers! Brian Lara names 3 players RCB should retain ahead of IPL 2022

<p>Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) have released a statement after all-rounder Dan Christian and his partner Jorgia Dunn were subjected to online abuse by trolls after the team's exit from the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021. RCB lost against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) by 4 wickets in the Eliminator to bow out of the competition.</p>

<p>Christian, who had an off day with the ball, conceding 29 runs in his 1.4 overs, was targeted online. The Australian all-rounder alleged that his pregnant partner's social media was also filled with horrific abuse.</p>

<p>RCB have now expressed their support for the player and has stated that they are hundred per cent behind him. The franchise asserted that it won't tolerate any online abuse against the players, their families and loved ones.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“We’re 100% with you @danchristian54 and we will not tolerate online abuse towards players and especially towards their families and loved ones,” RCB said in a statement.</p>

<p>“Winning and losing are a part of this beautiful game we all love. Our players put in the hard work day in and day out to reach the level they’re at. They give it their everything to try and win the game for us," the franchise added.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">We’re 100% with you <a href="https://twitter.com/danchristian54?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@danchristian54</a> and we will not tolerate online abuse towards players and especially towards their families and loved ones. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PlayBold?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PlayBold</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WeAreChallengers?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WeAreChallengers</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SayNoToOnlineAbuse?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SayNoToOnlineAbuse</a> <a href="https://t.co/w2UvpyJ6aD">pic.twitter.com/w2UvpyJ6aD</a></p>
— Royal Challengers Bangalore (@RCBTweets) <a href="https://twitter.com/RCBTweets/status/1447912910601084934?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 12, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>Earlier on Tuesday, Christian had taken to Instagram to reveal his partner Jorgia has been facing constant abuse over RCB's defeat against KKR in the Eliminator. "Check out the comments section of my partner's Instagram post. I didn't have a great game tonight, but that's sport. However please leave her out of it," the Aussie star wrote on Instagram.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:</strong> <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2021-glenn-maxwell-absolutely-disgusted-by-social-media-trolls-reacts-strongly-after-rcbs-elimination-420091">Glenn Maxwell 'absolutely disgusted' by social media trolls, reacts strongly after RCB's elimination</a></p>

<p>Christian had a bad day at the office against KKR as he failed to make an impact with the bat, managing only 9 runs off 8 balls before giving away 29 runs off just ten balls as RCB slumped to a defeat. It was Virat Kohli's final game as the captain of the side as he ended his captaincy stint without a trophy for the franchise.</p>


Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) have released a statement after all-rounder Dan Christian and his partner Jorgia Dunn were subjected to online abuse by trolls after the team's exit from the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021.

Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) have released a statement after all-rounder Dan Christian and his partner Jorgia Dunn were subjected to online abuse by trolls after the team's exit from the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021. RCB lost against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) by 4 wickets in the Eliminator to bow out of the competition. Christian, who had an off day with the ball, conceding 29 runs in his 1.4 overs, was targeted online. The Australian all-rounder alleged that his pregnant partner's social media was also filled with horrific abuse. RCB have now expressed their support for the player and has stated that they are hundred per cent behind him. The franchise asserted that it won't tolerate any online abuse against the players, their families and loved ones. “We’re 100% with you @danchristian54 and we will not tolerate online abuse towards players and especially towards their families and loved ones,” RCB said in a statement. “Winning and losing are a part of this beautiful game we all love. Our players put in the hard work day in and day out to reach the level they’re at. They give it their everything to try and win the game for us," the franchise added. We’re 100% with you @danchristian54 and we will not tolerate online abuse towards players and especially towards their families and loved ones. #PlayBold #WeAreChallengers #SayNoToOnlineAbuse pic.twitter.com/w2UvpyJ6aD — Royal Challengers Bangalore (@RCBTweets) October 12, 2021 × Earlier on Tuesday, Christian had taken to Instagram to reveal his partner Jorgia has been facing constant abuse over RCB's defeat against KKR in the Eliminator. "Check out the comments section of my partner's Instagram post. I didn't have a great game tonight, but that's sport. However please leave her out of it," the Aussie star wrote on Instagram. Also Read: Glenn Maxwell 'absolutely disgusted' by social media trolls, reacts strongly after RCB's elimination Christian had a bad day at the office against KKR as he failed to make an impact with the bat, managing only 9 runs off 8 balls before giving away 29 runs off just ten balls as RCB slumped to a defeat. It was Virat Kohli's final game as the captain of the side as he ended his captaincy stint without a trophy for the franchise.

100% behind Dan Christian: RCB release statement after all-rounder faces horrific online abuse

<p>Virat Kohli-led Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) lost the Eliminator to two-time champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to bow out of the IPL 2021 edition, on Monday (October 12) at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium, Sharjah.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Opting to bat first, RCB only managed to post a modest 138-7 as Sunil Narine stood tall for the KKR line-up with 4 for 21. Later, cameos from Narine, Shubman Gill and Nitish Rana took KKR home in the final over, with two balls to spare, as the Kolkata unit progressed ahead; ending Kohli's tenure as RCB captain.</p>

<p>For the unversed, Kohli had already announced his decision to step aside as RCB captain when the second and final leg of IPL 14 commenced, on September 19, in the UAE. Following RCB's exit, the 32-year-old told the broadcasters at the post-match presentation, "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. 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. [On him staying with RCB] Yes definitely, I don't see myself playing anywhere else. Loyalty matters more to me than worldly pleasures. I would be in the RCB till the last day I play in the IPL."</p>

<p>The three-time runners-up RCB also paid a heartfelt tribute to their outgoing skipper, sharing an emotional video on Kohli's journey as their captain from 2013-2021.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/virat-kohlis-sister-pens-emotional-note-after-he-leaves-rcb-captaincy-forever-worthy-of-respect-adulation-420176">Virat Kohli's sister pens emotional note after he leaves RCB captaincy: Forever worthy of respect &amp; adulation</a></strong></p>

<p>The video was shared on RCB's official Instagram handle, with the caption, "You’re the epitome and embodiment of what it means to have the #ChallengerSpirit. Thank you for leading us and showing us the true meaning of #PlayBold. @virat.kohli #WeAreChallengers #IPL2021 #ViratKohli #ThankYouCaptainKohli."</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CU6yZthh19S/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);">
<div style="padding:16px;">
<div style=" display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;">
<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;">
<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;">&nbsp;</div>
</div>
</div>

<div style="padding: 19% 0;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="display:block; height:50px; margin:0 auto 12px; width:50px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CU6yZthh19S/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank"><svg height="50px" version="1.1" viewbox="0 0 60 60" width="50px" xmlns="https://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"><g fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd" stroke="none" stroke-width="1"><g fill="#000000" transform="translate(-511.000000, -20.000000)"><g><path d="M556.869,30.41 C554.814,30.41 553.148,32.076 553.148,34.131 C553.148,36.186 554.814,37.852 556.869,37.852 C558.924,37.852 560.59,36.186 560.59,34.131 C560.59,32.076 558.924,30.41 556.869,30.41 M541,60.657 C535.114,60.657 530.342,55.887 530.342,50 C530.342,44.114 535.114,39.342 541,39.342 C546.887,39.342 551.658,44.114 551.658,50 C551.658,55.887 546.887,60.657 541,60.657 M541,33.886 C532.1,33.886 524.886,41.1 524.886,50 C524.886,58.899 532.1,66.113 541,66.113 C549.9,66.113 557.115,58.899 557.115,50 C557.115,41.1 549.9,33.886 541,33.886 M565.378,62.101 C565.244,65.022 564.756,66.606 564.346,67.663 C563.803,69.06 563.154,70.057 562.106,71.106 C561.058,72.155 560.06,72.803 558.662,73.347 C557.607,73.757 556.021,74.244 553.102,74.378 C549.944,74.521 548.997,74.552 541,74.552 C533.003,74.552 532.056,74.521 528.898,74.378 C525.979,74.244 524.393,73.757 523.338,73.347 C521.94,72.803 520.942,72.155 519.894,71.106 C518.846,70.057 518.197,69.06 517.654,67.663 C517.244,66.606 516.755,65.022 516.623,62.101 C516.479,58.943 516.448,57.996 516.448,50 C516.448,42.003 516.479,41.056 516.623,37.899 C516.755,34.978 517.244,33.391 517.654,32.338 C518.197,30.938 518.846,29.942 519.894,28.894 C520.942,27.846 521.94,27.196 523.338,26.654 C524.393,26.244 525.979,25.756 528.898,25.623 C532.057,25.479 533.004,25.448 541,25.448 C548.997,25.448 549.943,25.479 553.102,25.623 C556.021,25.756 557.607,26.244 558.662,26.654 C560.06,27.196 561.058,27.846 562.106,28.894 C563.154,29.942 563.803,30.938 564.346,32.338 C564.756,33.391 565.244,34.978 565.378,37.899 C565.522,41.056 565.552,42.003 565.552,50 C565.552,57.996 565.522,58.943 565.378,62.101 M570.82,37.631 C570.674,34.438 570.167,32.258 569.425,30.349 C568.659,28.377 567.633,26.702 565.965,25.035 C564.297,23.368 562.623,22.342 560.652,21.575 C558.743,20.834 556.562,20.326 553.369,20.18 C550.169,20.033 549.148,20 541,20 C532.853,20 531.831,20.033 528.631,20.18 C525.438,20.326 523.257,20.834 521.349,21.575 C519.376,22.342 517.703,23.368 516.035,25.035 C514.368,26.702 513.342,28.377 512.574,30.349 C511.834,32.258 511.326,34.438 511.181,37.631 C511.035,40.831 511,41.851 511,50 C511,58.147 511.035,59.17 511.181,62.369 C511.326,65.562 511.834,67.743 512.574,69.651 C513.342,71.625 514.368,73.296 516.035,74.965 C517.703,76.634 519.376,77.658 521.349,78.425 C523.257,79.167 525.438,79.673 528.631,79.82 C531.831,79.965 532.853,80.001 541,80.001 C549.148,80.001 550.169,79.965 553.369,79.82 C556.562,79.673 558.743,79.167 560.652,78.425 C562.623,77.658 564.297,76.634 565.965,74.965 C567.633,73.296 568.659,71.625 569.425,69.651 C570.167,67.743 570.674,65.562 570.82,62.369 C570.966,59.17 571,58.147 571,50 C571,41.851 570.966,40.831 570.82,37.631"></path></g></g></g></svg></a></div>

<div style="padding-top: 8px;">
<div style=" color:#3897f0; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:550; line-height:18px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CU6yZthh19S/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank">View this post on Instagram</a></div>
</div>

<div style="padding: 12.5% 0;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;">
<div>
<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);">&nbsp;</div>
</div>

<div style="margin-left: 8px;">
<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg)">&nbsp;</div>
</div>

<div style="margin-left: auto;">
<div style=" width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);">&nbsp;</div>
</div>
</div>

<div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;">
<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;">&nbsp;</div>
</div>

<p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CU6yZthh19S/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank">A post shared by Royal Challengers Bangalore (@royalchallengersbangalore)</a></p>
</div>
</blockquote>
<script async src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/not-glenn-maxwell-or-kl-rahul-gautam-gambhir-names-his-player-of-the-tournament-for-ipl-2021-420175">Not Glenn Maxwell or KL Rahul: Gautam Gambhir names his player of the tournament for IPL 2021</a></strong></p>

<p>Kohli amassed over 400 runs in IPL 2021 and led the side well in the group stage, as RCB finished at the third spot with 9 wins from 14 encounters. However, they couldn't go beyond the Eliminator to remain trophy-less in the IPL.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Under Kohli, RCB reached the playoffs on four occasions; playing the 2016 final where they ended second. Meanwhile, they finished at the bottom in two seasons (2017 and 2019) during his tenure.</p>


Virat Kohli-led Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) lost the Eliminator to two-time champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to bow out of the IPL 2021 edition, on Monday (October 12) at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium, Sharjah.

Virat Kohli-led Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) lost the Eliminator to two-time champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to bow out of the IPL 2021 edition, on Monday (October 12) at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium, Sharjah. Opting to bat first, RCB only managed to post a modest 138-7 as Sunil Narine stood tall for the KKR line-up with 4 for 21. Later, cameos from Narine, Shubman Gill and Nitish Rana took KKR home in the final over, with two balls to spare, as the Kolkata unit progressed ahead; ending Kohli's tenure as RCB captain. For the unversed, Kohli had already announced his decision to step aside as RCB captain when the second and final leg of IPL 14 commenced, on September 19, in the UAE. Following RCB's exit, the 32-year-old told the broadcasters at the post-match presentation, "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. 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. [On him staying with RCB] Yes definitely, I don't see myself playing anywhere else. Loyalty matters more to me than worldly pleasures. I would be in the RCB till the last day I play in the IPL." The three-time runners-up RCB also paid a heartfelt tribute to their outgoing skipper, sharing an emotional video on Kohli's journey as their captain from 2013-2021. ALSO READ | Virat Kohli's sister pens emotional note after he leaves RCB captaincy: Forever worthy of respect & adulation The video was shared on RCB's official Instagram handle, with the caption, "You’re the epitome and embodiment of what it means to have the #ChallengerSpirit. Thank you for leading us and showing us the true meaning of #PlayBold. @virat.kohli #WeAreChallengers #IPL2021 #ViratKohli #ThankYouCaptainKohli." View this post on Instagram A post shared by Royal Challengers Bangalore (@royalchallengersbangalore) × ALSO READ | Not Glenn Maxwell or KL Rahul: Gautam Gambhir names his player of the tournament for IPL 2021 Kohli amassed over 400 runs in IPL 2021 and led the side well in the group stage, as RCB finished at the third spot with 9 wins from 14 encounters. However, they couldn't go beyond the Eliminator to remain trophy-less in the IPL. Under Kohli, RCB reached the playoffs on four occasions; playing the 2016 final where they ended second. Meanwhile, they finished at the bottom in two seasons (2017 and 2019) during his tenure.

'Thank you for showing us the true meaning of Play Bold' - RCB pay rich tribute to Virat Kohli

Rcb, News on Rcb, stories on Rcb, articles on Rcb, Rcb stories at Wion, Rcb news, Rcb latest news