On This Day: Virat Kohli Joins Royal Challengers Bengaluru in 2008
On March 11, 2008, a significant moment in cricket history occurred when Virat Kohli was signed by the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), thanks to a surprising decision by the Delhi franchise. Kohli made headlines during the 2008 U-19 World Cup, where he showcased his talent and played a crucial role in helping India clinch the title.
In the tournament, Kohli scored 235 runs and earned recognition for his leadership and batting skills. His standout performance made him a sought-after player in the U-19 draft. However, the Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals) surprisingly chose not to sign the local talent and opted for Pradeep Sangwan instead. Seizing this opportunity, RCB brought Kohli on board, which turned out to be a game-changer for both the player and the franchise.
Since joining RCB, Kohli has only grown in stature. He has become the highest run-scorer in IPL history, amassing 8,004 runs over the course of 252 matches, including 8 centuries and 55 half-centuries. Kohli also captained RCB from 2013 to 2021, leading them to the finals in 2016, where he scored an impressive 973 runs in just 16 matches. Although he stepped down as captain ahead of the 2022 season, he remains an integral part of RCB’s leadership team.
To honor Kohli’s remarkable journey with the team, RCB shared a special tribute on March 11, 2025, celebrating his 18 years with the franchise.
Why Delhi Let Kohli Slip Away
In a recent podcast, former IPL COO Sunder Raman shed light on why the Delhi franchise decided against signing Kohli in 2008. According to Raman, the decision was influenced by the presence of established players like Virender Sehwag and AB de Villiers in their squad, leading to the belief that they did not need another batsman. Raman emphasized that, while Delhi made a sound argument for their decision, RCB’s gamble on Kohli proved to be a pivotal moment in IPL history.
Looking ahead, RCB is set to kick off their IPL 2025 campaign against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) on March 22 in Kolkata.
