Virat Kohli RCB Icon: Mo Bobat Hails Franchise Legend After 18 IPL Seasons

Royal Challengers Bengaluru have once again underlined the lasting impact of Virat Kohli on the franchise, with director of cricket Mo Bobat calling him the eternal icon and hero of the team. After nearly two decades in the Indian Premier League, Kohli’s legacy at Royal Challengers Bengaluru remains unmatched.

Kohli has represented RCB for 18 consecutive IPL seasons, becoming the face of the franchise since the league’s inception in 2008. His journey with the Bengaluru-based side mirrors the highs and lows of the team itself — from dramatic finishes to seasons filled with promise and near glory.

Speaking on the RCB Podcast, Bobat praised Kohli’s extraordinary consistency and loyalty. He pointed out that Kohli is approaching 9,000 IPL runs, all scored while wearing the RCB jersey. Averaging around 500 runs per season for 18 years is a remarkable achievement in franchise cricket, where player movement and form fluctuations are common.

Bobat described the numbers as “ridiculous,” highlighting how some players consider a 500-run season a career milestone, while Kohli has maintained that standard year after year. His long-term commitment to one franchise has strengthened his bond with fans, especially at the iconic M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, where the crowd often erupts when he walks out to bat.

RCB ended their long wait for an IPL trophy last season under the leadership of Rajat Patidar, clinching their maiden title. The captaincy transition from Faf du Plessis to Patidar was one of the most carefully evaluated decisions taken by the management.

Bobat revealed that the franchise had detailed discussions before making the leadership shift. While du Plessis was still performing strongly, RCB saw an opportunity during the mega auction phase to reset and build for the future. The management believed appointing an Indian captain was important in an Indian tournament, both strategically and culturally.

He also shared that discussions were held with Kohli in London after the 2024 season regarding leadership roles. Kohli, known for his passion and leadership mindset, was open to stepping in if needed. However, the franchise decided against becoming overly dependent on him for captaincy responsibilities.

According to Bobat, Kohli understood the broader vision of long-term leadership planning and supported the direction taken by the management.

As RCB prepare for the upcoming IPL season as reigning champions, the focus within the camp is not on defending the title but on chasing higher standards and potentially achieving back-to-back championships.

Despite leadership changes and evolving team strategies, one thing remains constant — Virat Kohli’s status as the heartbeat of Royal Challengers Bengaluru.