Should Virat Kohli exit RCB? Kevin Pietersen suggests Delhi Capitals as Indian star’s next IPL team

Former England cricketer Kevin Pietersen has sparked a debate about Virat Kohli’s future with Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), suggesting a change of scenery might be necessary for Kohli to finally win an Indian Premier League (IPL) trophy.

Virat Kohli empty-handed in IPL

Despite another phenomenal season with the bat, topping the IPL 2024 run-scorers chart with over 700 runs, Virat Kohli finds himself without an IPL trophy yet again.

RCB’s season ended in heartbreak after a loss to the Rajasthan Royals in the Eliminator on Wednesday.

Kevin Pietersen: Time to emulate Football Legends?

Kevin Pietersen believes Virat Kohli deserves to experience the joy of winning the IPL. He compared Kohli’s situation to footballing superstars like Cristiano Ronaldo and Harry Kane, who left their clubs to pursue trophies elsewhere.

“I have said it before and I will say it again — the greats of the game in other sports, have left teams to go and seek glory somewhere else. When he has tried and tried so hard — won the Orange Cap yet again and done so much yet again and the franchise fails againâ€æ I understand for the brand of the team and the commercial value he brings to the team… But Virat Kohli deserves a trophy. He deserves to play in a team that could help him to get that trophy,” Pietersen told Star Sports.

Delhi Capitals calling?

Pietersen even suggested a potential new destination for Virat Kohli – the Delhi Capitals. “Delhi is the place where Virat needs to go,” Pietersen stated, citing the proximity to Kohli’s home and the team’s own desire for an IPL title.

“I actually think it should be Delhi. Delhi is the place where Virat needs to go. Virat can go away, and stay at home most of the time, I know he has a home in Delhi. He has a young family. He can spend more time there. He is a Delhi boy. Why can’t he go back? Delhi are as desperate as Bengaluru.”

“I think it’s about time Virat thought long and hard. Beckham left, Ronaldo left, Messi left, Harry Kane just left Spurs and went to Bayern Munich,” he added.

RCB struggles and Virat Kohli loyalty

This suggestion comes after another missed opportunity for RCB. Although they staged a remarkable turnaround to reach the playoffs after a disastrous start, they fell short in the crucial knockout stages.

This continues a pattern for RCB, who haven’t reached the final in four out of the last five seasons despite finishing in the top four during the league stage.

Will Virat Kohli break ties?

Despite the trophy drought, Virat Kohli has consistently expressed his desire to finish his IPL career with RCB. He has spoken highly of the loyalty and trust the franchise has shown him since the IPL’s inception.

Notably, Kohli is the only player to have played for the same franchise throughout all 17 seasons of the IPL.

Difficult Choice: Loyalty vs. Ambition?

Pietersen’s comments have reignited the debate surrounding Kohli’s future. Will his loyalty to RCB outweigh his ambition to win the coveted IPL trophy? Only time will tell if Kohli decides to take a page out of the football legends’ playbook and seek greener pastures.