Ever since the first edition of the Indian Premier League in 2008, Royal Challengers Bangalore and Virat Kohli have developed a wonderful relationship, and the latter has also become the face of RCB as well.
The Delhi man has seen it all in RCB colours, from coming close to winning the title last year to a dismal IPL 2017 too. However, in all these years as a RCB Player, he has been amazed to see the cricket spirit, prevalent amongst the fans in Bengaluru.
The M. Chinnaswamy stadium, home of Royal Challengers Bangalore, has witnessed the best and worst, at times, of the franchise in the last ten seasons. Irrespective of the match result, the fans have stood by their players, and the atmosphere is always fantastic.
It is the crowd, which throng in huge numbers on matchday that makes these matches even more special. Though RCB were the first team to be out of IPL 2017 Playoffs contention, Kohli was impressed with the way Bengaluru fans poured out at M. Chinnaswamy stadium irrespective of the match result. It is such things, which makes Kohli love Bengaluru, and its people.
"I think, we have played some good cricket in the past few years, and the fans' support this year has also been amazing. Still having full stadiums, knowing that we cannot make into the Playoffs, it has been really pleasing for us as cricketers, certainly drives us to keep that loyalty towards the franchise," Kohli said.
"So that has been a standout feature for Bengaluru in the past 10 years, the way our fans have always been behind the players to make us stronger as a unit. That is what I always love about the city."
IPL 2017 has hurt RCB players
RCB were exemplary last season, but things did not just fall in place for the tenth edition. They gave it their all as was witnessed in matches, but as a unit, they could not really get their A game going. They have just won two matches in IPL 2017 so far.
Now, Kohli want to come back fresh for next season.
"The kind of season we have had, needs no explanation. It has been there for everyone to see. It hurts us as players. Such things do happen. We have to accept them and move forward. Last year was great for us, but this season has been a total opposite. We have to accept both sides. We will try to come strong next year," Kohli said.
It was unfortunate for the RCB , which includes a star-studded line-up - Kohli, Chris Gayle, Shane Watson, Tymal Mills and AB De Villiers. All the players, barring De Villiers, were present during an event at Ritz Carlton Hotel in Bengaluru, where Swiss watch brand Tissot also became the official watch for RCB this season.
RCB play their last game of IPL 2017 in Bengaluru against Delhi Daredevils on Sunday.
