Virat Kohli’s Retention is Key to Future Success: Says Andy Flower

After Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) retained star batter Virat Kohli for the upcoming IPL 2025 season, head coach Andy Flower expressed optimism about Kohli’s role in driving future successes for the franchise. Alongside Kohli, RCB has retained Rajat Patidar and Yash Dayal, setting a strong foundation ahead of the anticipated IPL 2025 mega auction.

Coach Andy Flower, in an interview with Jio Cinema, highlighted that Kohli’s retention was no surprise, considering his exceptional contributions to the team. He praised Kohli’s performance during the IPL 2024 season, where the batter’s form was “sensational,” and credited him as a vital part of RCB’s push for playoffs. Kohli’s recent season was indeed impressive, with him amassing 741 runs across 15 matches at a strike rate of 154.70, including a century and five fifties. Kohli’s consistency has kept him as the IPL’s highest-ever run-scorer, with 8004 runs in 252 matches at an average strike rate of 131.97.

Despite a shaky start, RCB secured a playoff spot in 2024 by winning seven out of 14 matches, finishing fourth with 14 points. Although their campaign ended with a narrow loss to Rajasthan Royals in the playoffs, Flower acknowledged Kohli’s leadership in rallying the team. Reports suggest that Kohli may even return as RCB captain for the first time since stepping down in 2021 after leading the team in nearly a decade-long stint marked by a runners-up finish in 2016.

Kohli’s retention underscores RCB’s commitment to building a winning squad with him as a cornerstone, and fans are eager to see him continue his influential role both on and off the field.

Image Credits: Live India

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