Mike Hesson, director of cricket operations for the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) franchise, has said that the franchise was respectful of Virat Kohli’s decision to step down as captain during the IPL 2021 edition and thus hadn't tried to convince him to take up the role again.

Kohli, who has been with RCB since 2008 when he was picked from a draft of U19 players, took over the captaincy in IPL 2013 from Daniel Vettori and led the team to the final of the IPL 2016 edition. The team also made playoffs in the last two editions of the tournament as well, but Kohli had announced ahead of the second phase of IPL 2021 which was played in UAE, that he will quit as captain after the tournament ended.

"I think it is very clear that Virat, who has been leading the franchise for eight years, has given it his heart and soul plus more. So, when he said he wanted to resign, take a break and enjoy his time as a senior player, we were very respectful of that. The situation hasn't changed here in terms of him willing to come and win games for RCB, win a cup for RCB," Hesson said.

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Former South Africa skipper Faf du Plessis was named the Royal Challengers' new leader on March 12, and Hesson said the decision was taken only after a lengthy consultation with Kohli and former player AB de Villiers.

He said: "Without a doubt, we spoke to Virat about leadership options. Faf was one he was very excited about. AB has always been a very important player for RCB. So, we leaned on him for his thoughts as well."

Kohli captain RCB in 140 matches in all, winning 64 matches and losing 69 of them.

(Sportstar inputs)