Virat Kohli’s RCB will take on Kolkata Knight Riders in the IPL 2021 Eliminator later tonight in Sharjah. The loser of this game will get eliminated from the tournament while the winner faces Delhi Capitals in the second qualifier. CSK have already booked a spot in the final. Kohli, meanwhile, has confirmed his decision to step down as the captain of the franchise after the IPL season. He will continue as a player thereafter.

Talking to Star Sports ahead of the Eliminator against KKR, Virat Kohli opened on the various reasons why he decided to relinquish captaincy. Workload he said was the most important factor considering which he felt that it was good to hand over the reins.

“There were two things. The main factor was workload, and then I did not want to be dishonest towards my responsibilities. If I am unable to give 120 percent towards my responsibilities, then I would rather leave it. I have never been the kind of person who will just hold on to things for the sake of it. I am the kind of person who is not attached to anything” said Kohli.

Kohli’s RCB qualified as the third team for the playoffs with 18 points. They beat Delhi Capitals in a nail-biter in their last league game securing a spot in the playoffs. They have the momentum and the form heading into the contest. Both KKR and RCB have won a game each against each other in the league stage. The last time RCB played KKR, they were bowled out for just 92.

Virat Kohli Has Been Fabulous As RCB Skipper: Gautam Gambhir

Gautam Gambhir recently heaped praise on Virat Kohli’s leadership in the IPL in 202. The former KKR skipper felt that Kohli has been phenomenal with tactics.

“Virat has been fabulous. Honestly, I have not enjoyed a lot of his captaincy, but this time around, he’s been very, very good. Probably the reason is because he thinks this is his last time as captain in IPL, (so) he want to enjoy it more; he’s just more relaxed. And he’s got the bowlers this time” Gambhir told ESPNCricinfo.

---