'He gave his heart and soul as captain' - Mike Hesson reveals reason behind Virat Kohli's exit as RCB skipper

Faf du Plessis has been named the new captain of the Royal Challengers Bangalore just two weeks ahead of the IPL 2022 that gets underway on March 26. He will be succeeding Virat Kohli who had led the franchise for nine seasons from 2013 to 2021.

Meanwhile, RCB’s Director of Cricket Operations Mike Hesson has come forward and lauded Kohli’s contributions to the franchise as a leader. At the same time, Hesson also made it clear that both Virat and the team’s former batting great AB de Villiers has recommended Faf du Plessis’ name as the next captain.

Virat has given absolutely everything to this franchise as a captain: Mike Hesson

“Virat has given absolutely everything to this franchise as a captain. He has given his heart and soul. It is pretty apparent that when you resign from a role, you want a break. He wants to enjoy his time at RCB as a senior player and as a batsman and we are very respectful of that as well,” said Hesson while speaking at the RCB Unbox event.

“Just because the situation has changed within here doesn’t mean that the situation has changed in terms of him wanting to come and win games for RCB. We spoke to Virat about the leadership options and Faf was someone he was really excited about. I have also leaned on AB de Villiers for his thoughts as well,” he added.

The veteran South African batter was released by the defending champions Chennai Super Kings despite being the second-highest run-getter of the 2021 edition, having amassed 633 runs from 16 matches and having played an instrumental role in CSK’s fourth IPL triumph.

He was roped in by the three-time finalists for INR 7 crore at the IPL 2022 mega auction last month. He would now be expected to take the Bengaluru-based franchise to unattained heights as they eye their maiden Indian Premier League crown. RCB will kick off their campaign against Punjab Kings in Mumbai on March 27.