Virat Kohli bows out of T20 captaincy at Indian Premier League

Virat Kohli's captaincy era in the Indian Premier League (IPL) came to an end as Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) suffered a wicket loss against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the Eliminator.

Sunil Narine's four-wicket haul and 26-run knock helped Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) defeat Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) by four wickets at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium on October 11.

"Their spinners dominated the game in the middle overs. They kept taking wickets there. We had a great start and probably should've tried to build on it. It was more about quality bowling instead of poor batting," Kohli told host broadcaster Star Sports after the game.

When the UAE leg of the IPL 2021 resumed, Kohli announced that he would step down as the skipper of the franchise after the ongoing edition.

Kohli had become the regular captain at Royal Challengers in 2013. And he has been a part of the franchise as a player since the inception of the IPL in 2008.

Under Virat Kohli, RCB had reached the finals of IPL in 2016, and it was in the same edition, Kohli registered the most number of runs by a batter in a single season.

"I have tried my best to create a culture where youngsters could come and play expressive cricket. It's something I've tried to do in the India level as well. All I can say is that I have given my best. I have given my 120% to this franchise and will continue giving it as a player on the field," said Kohli.

"It's a great time to regroup and restructure the franchise for the next three years. I will definitely (play for RCB). For me, loyalty matters, and my commitment is with this franchise till the last day I play IPL," he added.

In the 140 matches he captained in IPL, Kohli won 66 and lost 70, while four were no results.

Kohli will also step down as Team India's T20I captain after the upcoming T20 World Cup.

(ANI)