There have been intense speculations over the captaincy future of Virat Kohli at Royal Challengers Bangalore. With the management rejigging the coaching staff, there were reports which suggested that AB de Villiers might replace the India captain as the skipper in the new season.
However, the franchise has spoken out on the issue and has clarified, saying that there is no such development taking place at the franchise and that Kohli will be the captain in the upcoming season.
"We can clarify on record that the news is incorrect and Virat Kohli is very much the captain of RCB for the next season as well," a team spokesperson told India Today.
Rejig to the coaching staff
The Indian captain has been with RCB since its inception back in 2008 and has been one of the most prolific players in the league. He has scored 4948 runs from 163 matches and is only behind Suresh Raina on the batting charts.
However, RCB has failed to click as a unit despite the presence of de Villiers, Chris Gayle (now with Kings XI Punjab), and Kohli and have never won the league. They did not qualify for the playoffs this season and fared even poorly in 2017 when they finished last.
Daniel Vettori has already been asked to leave as the head coach and Gary Kirsten has been roped in as his replacement. Also, batting and fielding coach Trent Woodhill and bowling coach Andrew McDonald have been sacked.
Ashish Nehra, who joined the franchise last season, has received a more expanded role.
"I look forward to continuing the journey with RCB and doing my best to help the franchise reach its potential," Kirsten said after being appointed the coach.
"I had the privilege to join the coaching team of RCB last season and feel very passionately about the team. I want to thank the team management for considering me in a leadership position with the franchise and look forward for the successful seasons ahead," Nehra said after his appointment.
