India’s Test and ODI captain Virat Kohli has said that he did not have any second thoughts on staying with IPL franchise Royal Challengers Bangalore and even took a paycut to stay with the franchise for the next three years.
Kohli, who had given up the RCB captaincy, was retained along with Australian all-rounder Glenn Maxwell and young pace bowler Mohammed Siraj.
“The journey continues, I have been retained by RCB. When I was contacted, did not have any second thoughts at all. 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,” said Kohli in a video posted by RCB on YouTube.
“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
“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.
Welcome to #VIVOIPLRetention @RCBTweets have zeroed down on the retention list ?
What do you make of it? ?#VIVOIPL pic.twitter.com/77AzHSVPH5
— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) November 30, 2021
Kohli, who has been with RCB since the inaugural IPL in 2008 was retained for Rs 15 crore, while Maxwell was retained for Rs 11 crore. Pacer Siraj, who has been with the team since 2018, was the third player to retained for Rs 7 crore.
