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Virat Kohli, a name that commands respect and admiration across the cricketing world, has always worn his passion on his sleeve. Known for his fierce competitiveness and undying commitment to the game, Kohli has been at the center of Indian cricket for more than a decade. But behind the aggressive batting and leadership bravado, there was a quieter, more personal battle being fought. In a candid conversation on the RCB Podcast with Mayanti Langer, Kohli revealed the emotional weight of captaincy and why he eventually chose happiness over the heavy mantle of leadership.
The Pressure Cooker Years: 2016 to 2019
Kohli reflected on the peak years of his career between 2016 and 2019, calling them both thrilling and overwhelming. During this period, he was not only leading India across all formats but also captaining Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in the IPL. With every game, the expectations grew fans and critics alike looked to him for match-winning performances, not just as a player, but as a leader.
"There were expectations from me with the bat in every game I played," Kohli said. "It got really tough. I never felt like the attention was off me."
Why Kohli Gave Up Captaincy
After captaining RCB for 9 seasons and Team India for nearly 7–8 years, Kohli finally decided it was time to step down. He relinquished the RCB captaincy after the 2021 IPL season, followed by stepping down from India's T20I leadership. The BCCI later removed him from ODI captaincy, citing a need for one white-ball leader — a move that sparked public debate, especially given Kohli's clash with then-BCCI President Sourav Ganguly. Eventually, in early 2022, Kohli also stepped down as Test captain.
"I was exposed to it 24x7," he shared. "It affected my love for the game. I decided that if I wanted to stay in this space, I needed to be happy."
Choosing Joy Over Judgment
For Kohli, stepping away wasn’t about quitting, it was about preserving his love for cricket. The mental strain had begun to cloud his joy, and the constant scrutiny was suffocating.
"I wanted to be in a place where I could just play cricket without being judged," Kohli admitted.
The RCB Loyalty: Why He Never Left
Despite the immense pressure, Kohli revealed he never seriously considered leaving RCB. While there were external suggestions and potential opportunities, his deep-rooted connection with the franchise kept him grounded.
"There was mutual respect and a meaningful relationship with RCB," he said. "I was never truly tempted to leave."
Still on Fire: Kohli in IPL 2025
Now, free from leadership burdens, Kohli is enjoying his cricket again. In the ongoing IPL 2025 season, he has already scored a staggering 505 runs, proving he remains a pillar of strength for RCB not as a captain, but as a fearless, passionate batsman.
