Virat Kohli might have timed his decision to step down as Royal Challengers Bangalore captain in a better way. Kohli, 32, also promised to participate for the Challengers till he retires from the game, Gautam Gambhir, who last featured in the IPL in 2018, believes Kohli’s decision in midst of the IPL 2021 might upset RCB, who have won 5 of their 7 games so far. Gambhir, a two-time IPL champion, also believes Kohli’s move will put additional stress on the players in the T20 league’s 2nd leg.
“Yes, it does (the timing of the decision surprises me). Just before the 2nd leg of the tournament. If you want to do that, you probably do it after the tournament. Because it makes the team unsettled and emotional as well,” said Gambhir.
“They are in a very good position. Why would you want to put that extra pressure, probably push your players to probably do it for Virat. You don’t want to win it for individuals, you want to win it for the franchise. If he had to do it, he could have done it after the tournament as well,” he said.
Kohli has taken a brave decision but it’s going to be an emotional moment: Gambhir
Gambhir, on the other hand, praised Kohli for making the bold decision and wished RCB luck in the 2nd half of the competition.
“Stepping down and retirement are two decisions which are very individual. He has taken a brave decision but it’s going to be an emotional moment. Probably, the players and the franchise don’t get emotional and continue to play the way they were playing in this season,” Gambhir added.
Kohli was named the franchise’s captain in 2013, although he has yet to win an IPL championship with his side. Kohli has been criticized for his leadership, ignoring the fact that he is the IPL’s all-time leading run-scorer.
The Royal Challengers Bangalore will face the Kolkata Knight Riders in their second IPL 2021 match on Monday, September 20 at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi.
