Ahead of the upcoming 13th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020, Sanjeev Churiwala, Chairman of the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), has made it clear that Virat Kohli’s captaincy isn’t under the scanner and he will continue to captain the franchise despite disappointing results.
However, Churiwala has admitted that not winning the IPL title even once since the past 12 seasons does “add pressure” on the owners, but that’s really didn’t mean the RCB are thinking about replacing Kohli as captain, claiming the franchise is “proud” to be “associated” with the Indian captain.
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Kohli has been captaining the RCB for the past 7 seasons since 2013, but managed to take the franchise to the playoffs only twice with one of them being the finals in 2016 while the rest of the seasons have ended in disappointments 5th, 7th, 8th, 6th, and 8th position.
Before Kohli’s leadership, the RCB reached the final on two occasions in 2009 and 2011 in the IPL.
Churiwala was quoted as saying by ESPNCricinfo: “Performance is something that motivates us and drives all of us. We have been three times in the finals, (but) never lifted the trophy. It does add pressure. There's no doubt about it. But there is also learning every time.”
He further added, “Our last two performances (seasons) have not been really up to the mark, but otherwise by and large it was not something that we should be really concerned about.”
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On Kohli, the RCB chief said: “Virat is the Indian captain. And has the highest fan-followers. We all love Virat and love to be associated with Virat. Look, this is what (the) game is: sometimes you lose, sometimes you win, but let's not forget what that individual is and what kind of track record he has. As RCB, as an RCB owner, we are very, very proud that Virat is associated with us.”
Having secured the likes of Australia captain Aaron Finch, Chris Morris, and Dale Steyn at the auction last year, Churiwala feels the RCB has a 'better squad' for the IPL 2020.
He signed off, “We are very confident that at least we are going this time with a better squad, very clear preparations, very meaningful team. Rest let the team perform and deliver before we can speak more.”
