Last Updated on 2 hours ago by Charbel Coorey
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) CEO Rajesh Menon has expressed strong confidence that Virat Kohli’s journey with the franchise is far from over. A long association between Kohli and RCB has been highlighted once again, with the franchise chief indicating that the batting icon is expected to continue playing in the Indian Premier League for several more seasons.
Kohli, who has been associated with RCB since the inaugural IPL season in 2008, has remained the face of the franchise through various phases of its history. His importance to the team has been acknowledged repeatedly, and fresh comments from Menon have reinforced the belief that his presence will continue to be felt for years to come.
Rajesh Menon Confident of Kohli’s Long-Term Future at RCB, stating he can play on “for at least four years”
During an interaction with CNBC TV18, Menon had full confidence in Kohli’s longevity, who suggested that the former India captain still has plenty left to offer.
“RCB and Virat are different sides of the same coin,” Menon told CNBC TV18. “He has been the constant factor for RCB throughout. We have not seen him not being part of RCB even if he moves out of his cricketing career. We have to figure out.
“That said, next three-four years, am sure he’ll be playing…for at least four years. He is fit, the hunger never dies. You saw him this IPL season bring on the energy, runs, attitude….everything was there. Three-four years, absolutely no problem.”
Kohli’s continued contributions at the highest level were projected, and no concerns were raised about his ability to compete in future IPL seasons. The RCB opener struck 675 runs at an average of 56.25 and strike rate above 165, playing a key role in their second-straight title.
Virat Kohli’s Say on Proving His “Worth” & “Value”
Attention was also drawn to Kohli’s recent comments regarding expectations, criticism and the need to justify his place. The batting great shared a clear perspective, focusing on contribution rather than validation.
“My perspective is very clear,” Kohli said. “If I can add value to the environment I’m a part of and it feels like I can add value, I’ll be seen.
“If I’m made to feel like I need to prove my worth and my value, I’m not in that space. And because I’m honest in my preparation, I’m also honest in how I approach the game. I put my head down, I work hard. I’m very thankful to God for giving me everything that I’ve been given in my cricketing career. And I feel very blessed and grateful for the opportunity.
“And when I arrive to play, I put my head down, I work as hard if not harder than anyone else. And I play the game in the right way. You want me to run boundary to boundary for 40 overs in an ODI game, I will do that without a complaint. Because I prepare accordingly. I prepare for the fact that I will field 50 overs every ball like it’s the last ball I’m going to play in my career. And I will bat that way. And I will run between the wickets that way. And I will do everything possible for the team.
“After operating like this, if I have to be in a place where I have to prove my worth and value, that place is not meant to be for me. And I am very clear about that. That’s why when I went back to play, I was very clear in my head, I’m not going out there to prove anything to anyone. I’m going to play because I love playing the game.”
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