Virat Kohli, retained by Royal Challengers Bengaluru ahead of the IPL 2025 auction, has openly expressed his gratitude for the continuous support from RCB fans.
In a video shared by RCB on X (formerly Twitter) on October 31, Kohli conveyed his excitement about building the team for the upcoming seasons and his ambition to secure at least one IPL title in the next three years. “Very excited with the chance to create a squad at this auction, something that I’m really looking forward to, as a franchise, as a team. I am also just looking ahead in this cycle. In the next three years, one of the goals is to win the IPL title at least once. We’re going to give our best shot as always, and I’ll try to make everyone proud with how we play our cricket,” Kohli stated.
On the retention front, RCB announced their decisions before the October 31 deadline, retaining Kohli, Rajat Patidar, and Yash Dayal while releasing key players like Mohammed Siraj, Glenn Maxwell, and former captain Faf du Plessis. Kohli’s top pick retention, earning INR 21 crore, reflects his pivotal role in the team since the IPL began in 2008.
In his video, Kohli looked back on his long tenure with RCB, pointing out that by the end of this cycle, he will have been with the franchise for 20 years, a period he views with immense pride and a testament to his deep commitment.
Read: Virat Kohli Sets IPL Record with RCB’s Historic Retention Deal
Kohli’s anticipation for the mega auction was palpable. He expressed confidence in RCB management’s strategy to strengthen the team and reassured fans of his commitment to leading the team towards winning the IPL trophy, a long-standing dream for the franchise.
RCB’s strategy of retaining Kohli, Patidar, and Dayal and releasing several prominent players indicates a deliberate shift to reshape the team. With an auction budget of INR 84 crore and three Right to Match (RTM) cards available, RCB is positioned to make significant additions to its squad.
Kohli’s message has stirred hope among fans, setting the stage for a strategic overhaul at the upcoming mega auction. The ultimate goal is to capture the elusive IPL trophy in the 2025 season.
