"Goal is to win the IPL title at least once in the next cycle" - Virat Kohli opens up on being retained by RCB ahead of IPL 2025 auction

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) batter Virat Kohli expressed his happiness over being retained by the franchise ahead of the IPL 2025 auction. The 35-year-old was the first retention for RCB at a whooping ₹21 crores, enabling him to continue with the franchise he has been with since 2008.

Kohli is the IPL's all-time leading run-scorer with 8,004 runs at an average of almost 39, including eight centuries in 252 outings. The champion batter was also the Orange Cap winner last season. He scored 741 runs in 15 matches at a stunning average of 61.75 and a strike rate of 154.69, making his retention a no-brainer.

Following the release of the retentions, Kohli took to the RCB X handle to express his gratitude to the franchise. He expressed his wish to win the IPL title at least once in the next three-year cycle.

"Hi Guys, a big hello to everyone at RCB, the fans, the people involved. Behind the scenes. The management, everyone. I'm sending out this message to inform everyone that l've been retained by RCB once again for the three-year cycle of the IPL, beginning next year, and I'm super excited as ever," said Kohli.

He added:

"Something that we were really looking forward to as a franchise, as a team and also just looking ahead to this cycle all next year. Obviously, the goal is to win the IPL title at least once in the next cycle, and we're going to give it our best shot as always and try to make everyone proud of the way we play."

RCB have reached the playoffs in four of the last five seasons, including a stunning comeback to finish in the top four in IPL 2024.

Yet, the franchise hasn't clinched its elusive IPL title despite reaching the final thrice in 2009, 2011, and 2016.

---

"At the end of this cycle it's going to be 20 years that l am going to play for RCB and then that in itself is an honour" - Virat Kohli

Virat Kohli said it would be an honor to represent RCB for two decades, which will be the case at the end of the upcoming three-year cycle from 2025-2027. The veteran cricketer was the most expensive retention among Indian players ahead of the 2025 Mega auction.

"Everyone knows what RCB means to me. It's been a very, very special relationship over so many years which continues to grow stronger and what I've experienced playing for RCB is truly, truly special, and I hope the fans and everyone who's connected to a franchise feels the same way. At the end of this cycle, it's going to be 20 years that l am going to play for RCB and then that in itself is an honor," said the batter in the same video.

Besides his batting heroics, Kohli has also captained RCB in 143 matches, winning 66 and losing 70. The franchise reached their latest final in the 2016 IPL season under him.