‘We can hold our heads high’ – Virat Kohli shares heartfelt note following RCB’s exit in IPL 2021

Royal Challengers Bangalore’s campaign in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 ended with a four-wicket loss to Kolkata Knight Riders in Qualifier 1. The game went right down to the wire but KKR held their nerves and chased down 139 with a couple of deliveries to spare. With this, an era also came to an end. Virat Kohli, ahead of the UAE leg, had announced he’ll step down as RCB captain following the completion of the season.

As the Bangalore-based team won’t go any further in IPL 2021, the Eliminator clash turned out to be Kohli’s last leadership assignment for RCB. Although he’ll continue serving the franchise as a player, one won’t see him going out for toss and taking those reviews from the upcoming season. As the IPL title is still elusive for RCB, it also means captain Kohli won’t ever get the glory in the lucrative league.

Although Kohli wouldn’t be pleased with the result, he’s happy with the way his team played. On October 12 (Tuesday), the talismanic batter took to Twitter and posted a heartfelt message. Admitting that things didn’t pan out as per plans, Kohli thanked his fans and team management for their constant support.

I am so proud of the character shown by the boys: Virat Kohli

“Not the result we wanted but I am so proud of the character shown by the boys throughout the tournament. A disappointing end but we can hold our heads high. Thank you to all the fans, management & the support staff for your constant support. @RCBTweets,” wrote Virat Kohli in the tweet.

Not the result we wanted but I am so proud of the character shown by the boys throughout the tournament. A disappointing end but we can hold our heads high. Thank you to all the fans, management & the support staff for your constant support. 🙏 @RCBTweets pic.twitter.com/VxZLc5NKAG

— Virat Kohli (@imVkohli) October 12, 2021

Kohli has been one of the most prolific batters in the history of the tournament. Over the years, he has played several magnificent knocks in the competition. In fact, his tally of 973 runs in 2016 is the most by a player in a single season. Under him, RCB advanced to the playoffs as many as three times but fell short every time. Nevertheless, Kohli has vowed to continue serving RCB till the time he plays IPL.

“I don’t see myself playing anywhere else. To me, loyalty matters more than other things, which from the worldly point of view seem more important. This franchise has believed in me and my commitment is to this franchise till the last day I play in the IPL,” the 32-year-old said in the post-match presentation.