IPL 2021: Virat Kohli and Co. pose for final photo after RCB’s exit – Royal Challengers Bangalore’s (RCB) run for the title fell short once again as they were knocked out in the Eliminator by the Kolkata Knight Riders on Monday. The match marked the final game for Virat Kohli as RCB captain, having earlier announced his intentions to relinquish captaincy from the T20 format. The 2016 finalists were amongst the better teams this season, finishing level on points with leaders Deli Capitals and Chennai Super Kings.
IPL 2021: RCB captain Virat Kohli, players and coaching staff gets emotional as they click one final photograph
Emotions ran high in the Royal Challengers Bangalore camp as their IPL 2021 journey came to a crashing halt on Monday. KKR sealed a four-wicket win in the Eliminator to send RCB packing, end Virat Kohli’s hopes of leading the franchise to their first-ever IPL title. The exit was hard to come to terms with for the RCB players and support staff, who have been amongst the dominating teams in IPL 2021.
This is not just a team. This is a family. ❤️
To more memories and challenges next year. 🙌🏻#PlayBold #WeAreChallengers #IPL2021 pic.twitter.com/f1BmBRx8P1
— Royal Challengers Bangalore (@RCBTweets) October 12, 2021
Speaking to broadcaster Star Sports after the game, captain Virat Kohli said that he had given his all to the franchise as a leader, and tried to create an environment that let players express themselves. Kohli said, “I’ve tried my best to create a culture here where youngsters could come in and play expressive cricket, play with belief. It’s something I’ve tried to do at the Indian team level as well.”
#RCBvKKR Dressing Room Emotions
A sudden end to a fine season campaign, Virat Kohli’s last match as full time captain of RCB, the team spirit that brought us until here, – raw emotions in the dressing room at the end of our #IPL2021 journey.https://t.co/UstexXNKIA#PlayBold
— Royal Challengers Bangalore (@RCBTweets) October 12, 2021
He added, “All I can say is that I’ve given my best. I don’t know how the response has been to that, but I can vouch for the fact that I’ve given my 120% to this franchise every year, leading the team. And as I said, I will continue to give that effort on the field as a player from now on. It’s a great time to regroup, restructure the franchise for the next three years, and bring in people who can take this culture and this franchise to the next level, moving forward.”
IPL 2021: RCB captain Virat Kohli, players and coaching staff gets emotional as they click one final photograph
Harshal Patel, who leads the purple cap standings and equalled Dwayne Bravo’s record for most wickets in a season also spoke about the positive dressing atmosphere and how it helped him thrive in IPL 2021. Patel said, “Obviously every one knows the kind of energy and passion Virat brings to the field. He backs bowlers, gives them their space, allows them to execute their skills and plans. So I’m very thankful to him.”
Harshal Patel added, “I’ve said this many times earlier too, the RCB management and Virat showed a lot of confidence in me from the start. Till this year, I had never bowled in the death overs in the IPL. I had bowled [in domestic cricket] for Haryana [at the death] but never in the IPL. To then give me that responsibility, they would have definitely seen something in me. They made the decision that I’ll be bowling the most difficult overs. I’m very grateful for the faith that they have shown in me.”
RCB captain Virat Kohli, players and coaching staff gets emotional as they click one final photograph
From being an expensive flop over the last five seasons, Glenn Maxwell turned his game around after signing for RCB in IPL 2021. The Australian finished fifth in the Orange Cap race in what has been a tremendous individual campaign. Following the defeat, Maxwell launched himself to the defence of his teammates after RCB and Virat Kohli were mercilessly trolled and abused on social media.
The Australian tweeted, “Some of the garbage that has been flowing on social media is absolutely disgusting. We are human beings who are giving our best each and every day. Try being a decent person maybe instead of spreading abuse.”
