Will It Be the 18th for No. 18? Tracking Virat Kohli’s IPL Seasons with RCB from 2008 to 2025 - Lotus365
- Yep Thomi
- Jun 11
- 2 min read
In the world of Indian cricket, few stories are as compelling as that of Virat Kohli and his journey with the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the Indian Premier League (IPL). From his debut in 2008 to leading the team to its maiden title in 2025, Kohli's association with RCB has been a saga of passion, perseverance, and unmatched dedication.
🏏 The Genesis: 2008 – The Beginning of a Legacy
Virat Kohli's IPL journey commenced in 2008 when he was drafted into the RCB squad. At just 19, he showcased glimpses of his potential. Though the team didn't clinch the title that year, Kohli's performance laid the foundation for what would become a legendary career.
🔥 The Rise: 2009–2012 – Establishing Dominance
Between 2009 and 2012, Kohli's consistency with the bat became evident. He amassed runs across seasons, with notable performances in 2011, where he scored 557 runs, and in 2013, where he achieved a career-best 634 runs. These years solidified his reputation as one of the premier batsmen in the league.
🌟 The Pinnacle: 2013–2016 – Captaincy and Record-Breaking Feats
In 2013, Kohli was appointed as RCB's captain. Under his leadership, the team reached new heights. The 2016 season was particularly remarkable, with Kohli amassing a record-breaking 973 runs, the highest in a single IPL season. This period also saw RCB reaching the finals, though they narrowly missed out on the title.sportstar.thehindu.comnews.abplive.com
📉 The Struggle: 2017–2022 – A Period of Challenges
Post-2016, RCB faced a series of challenges. Despite Kohli's individual brilliance, the team couldn't secure the elusive title. The 2021 season marked a turning point, with Kohli stepping down as captain, paving the way for Faf du Plessis to lead the team.
🏆 The Triumph: 2025 – A Dream Realized
After 18 long years, RCB clinched their maiden IPL title in 2025. Though Kohli wasn't the captain, his contributions were pivotal. He was the team's highest run-scorer with 657 runs, including eight half-centuries. His leadership, both on and off the field, was instrumental in guiding the team to victory.economictimes.indiatimes.com+5en.wikipedia.org+5indiatimes.com+5timesofindia.indiatimes.comen.wikipedia.org+1en.wikipedia.org+1 🏆 IPL 2025 Final: A Historic Victory
In the 2025 IPL final, RCB faced Punjab Kings. Krunal Pandya's exceptional bowling performance earned him the Player of the Match award. Despite the victory, the celebrations were marred by a tragic incident where a fervent RCB fan collapsed due to a heart attack while celebrating the win. This incident highlighted the deep emotional connection fans have with the team.indiatimes.com+2en.wikipedia.org+2timesofindia.indiatimes.com+2en.wikipedia.org+1indiatimes.com+1
🏅 Kohli's Legacy: More Than Just Numbers
Beyond the statistics, Virat Kohli's legacy with RCB is defined by his unwavering commitment and passion. His leadership, resilience, and ability to inspire have left an indelible mark on the franchise. As RCB looks to build on their 2025 success, Kohli's influence will undoubtedly continue to guide and motivate the team.
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