I've Been Approached A Few Times - Virat Kohli Reveals That Franchises Have Asked Him To Enter IPL Auction Previously
Indian batter Virat Kohli is the only player in the history of IPL to play for the same franchise in all the seasons. He is loyal to the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) franchise, which he reveals helped him in his journey by buying him in 2008.
There were several instances where Kohli could have entered the pool but he always remained faithful to RCB and has also insisted that he will continue playing for the same franchise until he retires from the game.
“I’ve been approached a few times as well – to come into the auction somehow – I have thought about it. There have been many great players who have won trophies and things like that but no one addresses you like that. If you are a good person, people like you and if you are a bad guy, they stay away from you,” Kohli said in the RCB podcast.
“What this franchise has given to me, that is the most special thing” – Virat Kohli
While playing in the U-19 World Cup in 2008, Kohli was keenly watching the auction where he was picked up by RCB. Expectedly, he was ecstatic and the rest is history. Playing for the Bangalore franchise, he has become the highest run-scorer in the league and continues to hold many records.
“Eventually, that’s what life is all about. The loyalty with RCB, like how I follow my life, is far greater than five people saying you’ve finally won the IPL with XYZ. What this franchise has given to me in the first three years, and believed in me, that is the most special thing,” he added.
His best season for RCB came in 2016 when he scored 973 runs, including four stunning centuries.